Stephen Herdsman (born October 6, 1975 in Coral Springs, Florida) is an American soccer defender playing for the Michigan Bucks of the USL Premier Development League.
Herdsman played college soccer at Cornerstone University until 2000, while also playing in the Premier Development League with the West Michigan Edge.[1]
Herdsman was drafted 17th overall in the 2001 MLS SuperDraft by the Colorado Rapids. With his blazing speed, Herdsman earned a spot on the team as an outside back, starting 16 games for the Rapids as a rookie. He saw his playing time decline in 2002, however, starting only 9 games, although he started all five of the Rapids' playoff games. After playing in only three games in the 2003 season, however, Herdsman announced his retirement from professional soccer, reportedly due to personality conflicts with Rapids head coach Tim Hankinson. Steve also retired from the MLS because of an injury to his leg. He also helps teach kids how to play soccer during summer camps. Steve is going to be coaching the U13 boys premier team for the Grand Rapids Crew Juniors, an affiliate of the Columbus Crew.
After finishing the season with the West Michigan Edge, Herdsman's rights were traded from the Rapids to the Columbus Crew, and he switched teams. Although he began the season as a starting outside back for the Crew, Herdsman lost his spot to Nelson Akwari and Chris Wingert, and ended the season having appeared in only eight games. After playing in just seven games in 2005, he was released.[2]
In 2009, Herdsman signed with the Michigan Bucks of the USL Premier Development League.[3]