Early career Prior to playing in the United States, Engels competed for both
VfL Bochum and
Preußen Münster. In 2014, Engels joined the
Syracuse Orange men's soccer program. During his freshman year, Engels became an immediate starter for the Orange. There, he earned All-ACC Second Team honors and was named to the ACC All-Freshman Team. Engels tallied his first collegiate assist on 27 September 2014 in a 1–0 win against the second-ranked
Virginia. The assist to
Skylar Thomas, gave the Orange a 1–0 win against Virginia. Throughout his freshman season, Engels earned a reputation of being a set piece specialist. His assists in subsequent matches against
Albany,
Bucknell,
Duke and
Georgetown led to three game winning matches. Engels returned to Syracuse for his sophomore season where he remain a key cog in the Orange lineup. Engels lead the team in assists and was second on the team in goals scored, en route to the
program's first-ever college cup run. Engels played in and started in all 25 matches the Orange played in 2015.
D.C. United Engels was selected 11th overall in the
2016 MLS SuperDraft by
D.C. United. He made his United debut on 23 February 2016, in a
CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal match against
Queretaro F.C. On 1 March 2016, he scored his first professional goal in the return leg of the Champions League against Queretaro, in a 1–1 draw. Engels made his
MLS debut on 6 March 2016 in a 4–1 loss at
LA Galaxy, coming on for
Luciano Acosta in the 75th minute. On 14 August 2017, Engels was loaned to the
USL side,
Rochester Rhinos for the remainder of the 2017 USL season. On 28 November 2017, his contract option with United was declined.
LA Galaxy II On 15 March 2018, Engels signed with
LA Galaxy II of the
United Soccer League. He made his debut on 17 March 2018 in a 2–0 loss to the
Colorado Springs Switchbacks. On 8 August 2018, his contract with LA Galaxy II was mutually terminated.
Cavalry FC On 13 February 2019, Engels signed with
Canadian Premier League club
Cavalry FC for the team and league's inaugural season. He scored his first goal for Cavalry FC on 22 May 2019 versus Pacific FC in the Canadian Championship. Engels finished the season with six goals and four assists in all competitions, helping Cavalry finish first in both the spring and fall seasons and qualifying for the
2019 Canadian Premier League Finals. Engels was praised for his performance and listed as one of the best midfielders, and players, in the league.
Back to Germany On 1 February 2020, Engels returned to Germany, signing with
Regionalliga side
TuS Haltern. Engels left Haltern to join
Bonner SC in August 2020 on a deal until June 2021. Less than two weeks after signing, he suffered a serious injury, when he tore his
posterior cruciate ligament and was set to be out for one year. == Personal life ==