Minnesota United has signed midfielder Hassani Dotson to a new three-year contract, plus a one year club option, starting in 2022.
“Everyone knows how highly I think of Hassani, since the day he got here,” said MNUFC Head Coach Adrian Heath. “It didn’t surprise when he went to play so well for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament, and then to come back and we feel as though he’s getting better and better. His best years are ahead of him. We’re so pleased he’s signed a new deal with us because we feel we have one of the best young midfielders in the MLS and we think he’ll show that over the next three or four years. There’s no end to where he can go. His next aim is solidifying his midfield place with us and moving on to get himself in that U.S. senior team, because I have no doubt he can play at that level.”
Dotson was selected 31st overall by Minnesota United in the second round of the 2019 MLS SuperDraft and became the first second round pick the Loons signed. The midfielder was a revelation in his rookie season for Minnesota, making 24 appearances. Starting his career as a late sub to make game-saving blocks, Dotson developed into a versatile wingback and midfielder. He contributed to seven clean sheets and scored four goals, including the tally that clinched the Loons’ first playoff berth. He made five appearances in the U.S. Open Cup and provided two assists. His rookie performance earned recognition from the league as he appeared twice on the bench of the MLS Team of the Week and was a finalist for MLS Rookie of the Year in 2019.
Dotson continued on the success of his rookie season, becoming a must-have in the gameday roster, stepping up all over the field as the team battled injuries and COVID-related absences, starting in 12 games and making a total of 18 game appearances in 2020, including each of the 2020 MLS Cup Playoff games. This season, Dotson has made an appearance in all seven games so far, starting six. He continues to provide versatility playing on the wing and scoring his first goal of 2021 at Colorado Rapids on May 8.
“It’s nice to feel valued by the team and I’m excited for the years to come and hopefully win some silverware,” said Dotson. “I’ve started more games this year than the previous ones and I want to continue that, with my ultimate goal to win trophies, keep improving and eventually move to Europe. I want to be a big part around the reason why we’re winning and being successful.”
Internationally, since 2019, Dotson has been called up several times to the U.S. U23 Men’s National Team for international friendlies ahead of Olympic Qualifying. He has been named to the US23 Olympic Qualifying team. Dotson made his USYNT scoring debut with a pair of goals only five minutes apart in the USYNT 4-0 win over the Dominican Republic.
Dotson played his college soccer at Oregon State, where he was named to the USC Second Team All-Far West Region, the Second Team All-Pacific 12 Conference and was a Pacific 12 Conference Academic Honorable Mention in his senior year. At 5-foot-11-inches and 170 lbs, Dotson has the potential to be a big presence in the defensive midfield position and provides the Loons depth at a position of need.
Transaction: Minnesota United sign midfielder Hassani Dotson to a three-year contract, plus one year club option.
VITALS
Hassani Dotson
Position: Midfielder
Date of birth: 08.06.1997 (23 years old)
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 170 lbs
Birthplace: Federal Way, Washington
Citizenship: United States of America
