Position: Defender
Birthdate: 11/3/1998
Hometown: Aurora, Illinois
Previous Club: Memphis 901 FC
College: Georgetown University
Height: 6-0
Derek Dodson enters his first season with the Black and Yellow after signing with the club in December 2022.
Dodson, 24, arrives in Charleston after a one-year stay with Memphis 901 FC in 2022. The 6-0 wing-back featured in 30 matches in the regular season and playoffs, scoring three goals and adding three assists.
With Memphis, Dodson regularly contributed on both sides of the ball and from multiple positions, including as a forward and a winger. He tallied 22 chances created, 31 clearances, 16 interceptions, 24 tackles won and 135 duels won last season.
A native of Aurora, Ill., Dodson’s professional career began when he was selected eighth overall in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft by Orlando City SC.
After signing with Orlando, Dodson spent the 2021 season with fellow USL Championship side Hartford Athletic on loan. He registered five goals and three assists across 22 matches with the Connecticut club.
Dodson was a standout during his collegiate career at Georgetown University from 2017 to 2021, playing primarily as a forward. He scored 32 goals across 72 appearances, including one in the Hoya’s 2019 NCAA National Championship win, and added 14 assists. Derek was a three-time First Team All-Big East selection and the 2017 Big East Freshman of the Year.
