Minnesota United today announced it has signed 2019 MLS SuperDraft first-round pick Chase Gasper and second-round pick Hassani Dotson.
“We’re pleased with both of them in preseason,” said MNUFC Head Coach Adrian Heath. “When we drafted Chase after we’d seen him at the combine, we thought he looked as though he was probably more physically ready than most people. Hassani has come in and changed our perception on him. We thought he might take the time to physically be up to it, but the pair of them have stepped right in and looked very comfortable in the environment that they’re in. We’ve been really pleased with the pair of them and we think, if they can keep working as hard as they’ve done so far, they’re going to do very well.”
Gasper, 23, was selected 15th overall by MNUFC from Maryland where he helped lead the Terrapins to the 2018 NCAA National Championship. The fullback began his college career at UCLA, where he was named to the Pacific 12 All-Freshman Second Team in 2014. Gasper as represented the United States at multiple levels, with nine appearances for the U21 team and 12 for the U18 team. He made his Loons preseason debut in the first half of a friendly against FC Tucson and was on the starting XI facing Phoenix Rising. He also earned minutes against fellow MLS team Houston Dynamo.
“I’ve been dreaming of this day ever since I started playing soccer and knew that I wanted to pursue it professionally,” said Gasper. “I’m incredibly thankful to the club as a whole, my coaches, and all my teammates for believing in me. I can’t wait to work my hardest and play my best for the team.”
Dotson, 21, was selected 31st overall from 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. The midfielder made his Loons preseason debut in the second half facing Tucson FC and earned minutes in the second half against Phoenix Rising and Houston Dynamo.
“This is a dream come true,” said Dotson. “I’m excited for the opportunity to push myself to get better every day and, even more so, to be a Loon.”
Gasper and Dotson join fifth overall pick Dayne St. Claire, a goalkeeper out of Maryland, who already signed with MNUFC by way of his being a Generation adidas player.
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Transaction: Minnesota United signs Chase Gasper and Hassani Dotson.
VITALS
Chase Gasper
Position: Defender
Date of birth: 1.25.1996
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 185
Birthplace: Alexandria, Virginia
Hometown: Alexandria, Virginia
Citizenship: USA
Hassani Dotson
Position: Midfielder
Date of birth: 08.06.1997
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 170
Birthplace: Federal Way, Washington
Citizenship: United States
