D. Dodson, D.C. United, Defender, #18: Career, Stats & Impact

When you watch D.C. United’s back line, number 18 just sort of quietly runs the show. Derek Dodson isn’t out there hunting for the spotlight, but you can’t miss his timing and awareness.
He brings this steady calm to a team still searching for its defensive identity.

Dodson came to D.C. United after they picked him in Stage 2 of the 2024 MLS Re-Entry Draft. He signed a one-year deal through 2025, with an option for 2026.
At 26, he’s already built up a solid résumé in the USL Championship and MLS NEXT Pro. He’s grown at every stop, honestly. His journey from Georgetown University—where he helped them win the 2019 NCAA Championship—to the pros shows how quickly he adapts and how consistently he competes.

Let’s dig into how Dodson’s versatility helps D.C. United’s defense, how his time with clubs like Birmingham Legion and Memphis 901 shaped his game, and what his future might mean for the Black-and-Red.
Each section gives you a sense of how his experience and discipline could make him one of the league’s most reliable defenders.

D. Dodson at D.C. United

Dodson’s career really shows steady growth and adaptability. He’s picked up experience in several leagues and has a strong college background at Georgetown University.
That gives D.C. United a defender you can count on, someone who just gets the game.

Signing and Contract Details

D.C. United brought in Derek Dodson after grabbing him in Stage 2 of the 2024 MLS Re-Entry Draft. The deal runs through 2025, with an option for 2026. That way, the club can see how he fits before making a longer commitment.

He joined after a productive run with Birmingham Legion FC in the USL Championship. He played 23 matches there, chipped in a goal, and added two assists.
Dodson signed on December 31, 2024—one of D.C. United’s last moves before the new season.

Born in Illinois on November 3, 1998, Dodson has bounced around a bit since Orlando City SC drafted him eighth overall in 2021.
He’s played for Hartford Athletic, Memphis 901 FC, Charleston Battery, and Minnesota United FC 2 before landing in D.C.

Role and Squad Number

Dodson wears number 18 at D.C. United and usually lines up as a right-back or wing-back.
He’s versatile enough to slide between defensive and attacking roles, depending on what the coach wants.

Coaches like how fast he tracks back, how he supports the midfield, and his knack for hitting accurate passes into the attacking third.
At 6’1”, with sharp positioning, he really steadies the back line during transitions.

His stints in MLS and the USL Championship gave him a good feel for different playing styles.
That makes him a handy option when the team tweaks its formation or faces high-pressing opponents.

Recent Performances

This season, Dodson has become a steady presence on D.C. United’s right side.
Mad About College Sports called out his reliability and sharper one-on-one defending.

He’s not flashy, but you notice his discipline and smart choices.
Dodson focuses on clean tackles, timely interceptions, and supporting the wide play—he doesn’t overcommit.

Key 2025 Stats (as of July 2025)

Category	Value
Matches Played	18
Minutes Played	1,420
Goals	0
Assists	2
Tackles Won	38
Interceptions	21

His measured style and growing confidence have made him one of the more trusted guys in D.C. United’s rotation, especially in tight games where structure really counts.

Defensive Contributions and Playing Style

Dodson’s value pops out in how he reads the field and stays disciplined.
He supports teammates like Aaron Herrera and David Schnegg on D.C. United’s back line.

His time at Georgetown really shaped his awareness and reliability—now, those traits define his defensive identity.

Position and Versatility

Dodson mainly plays as a right-back, but he adapts fast when D.C. United changes formations.
You’ll see him move between fullback and wing-back, depending on whether they use a back four or five.

That flexibility gives coaches more options against different opponents.
When Lucas Bartlett tucks inside, Dodson pushes higher or drops deeper as needed.

He uses his college experience as a forward to anticipate attacking runs.
That helps him shut down space before things get dangerous.

You’ll notice how he times his overlaps, supports the midfield, and still recovers quickly when the ball turns over.

Key Defensive Attributes

Dodson defends with positioning and anticipation, not reckless tackles.
He sticks tight to runners and limits crosses from wide areas.

His 1v1 defending stands out, especially against speedy wingers.
He’s a talker—always communicating, keeping the back line organized with Herrera and Bartlett.

That chatter keeps D.C. United compact and closes gaps between defenders.
Dodson’s stamina is a real asset, too.

He keeps up the intensity all game, presses when needed, and recovers fast.
His mix of speed and balance lets him win duels without fouling.

Recent Defensive Metrics

Category	Average per 90
Tackles Won	2.1
Interceptions	2.8
Clearances	4.3
Passing Accuracy	83%

Those numbers show a defender who values control and doesn’t create chaos.

Notable Matches

A few matches really show Dodson’s impact.
Against NYCFC, he made five clearances and three interceptions—helped D.C. United keep a clean sheet.

Facing Atlanta United, he balanced defense and attack, won key duels, and picked up an assist on a counter.
His work rate late in that game stood out when he tracked back to block a shot in the box.

When D.C. United played Orlando City—his old MLS club—Dodson showed a ton of composure.
He stayed disciplined against overlapping runs and notched three successful tackles.

These games highlight how his consistency and adaptability keep D.C. United’s defense strong.

Career Path and Club History

Dodson’s career feels like a steady climb—built on adaptability and consistency.
From college success at Georgetown to stops in multiple pro leagues, his path proves that persistence and versatility matter in American soccer.

MLS SuperDraft and Orlando City SC

You probably first heard Dodson’s name when Orlando City SC picked him eighth overall in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft.
That high pick reflected his strong record at Georgetown University, where he scored 32 goals and helped the Hoyas win the 2019 NCAA National Championship.

Dodson signed with Orlando but didn’t get much playing time in MLS.
To gain experience, the club sent him on loan to Hartford Athletic in the USL Championship.

He adjusted quickly there, showing the same work ethic he had in college.
His short stint in Orlando taught him how tough it is to earn MLS minutes.

That move set up the next phase of his career, where regular playing time became the priority.

Table: Early Career Snapshot

Year	Club	League	Appearances	Goals
2021	Orlando City SC	MLS	0	0
2021	Hartford Athletic (loan)	USL Championship	17	3

USL Championship Experience

Dodson really developed in the USL Championship, playing for Memphis 901 FC and later Charleston Battery.
These seasons showed he could adapt to different systems, often switching between right-back and wing-back.

At Memphis 901 FC, he contributed on both ends—eight goals and six assists over 53 matches.
His 2023 year with Charleston Battery stands out: he started every playoff game and helped them reach the USLC Final against Phoenix Rising FC.

That kind of consistency got him noticed again by higher-level teams.
He really thrived with regular minutes.

Table: USL Championship Stats

Club	Seasons	Appearances	Goals	Assists
Hartford Athletic	2021	17	3	2
Memphis 901 FC	2022	34	5	4
Charleston Battery	2023	39	3	5

MLS NEXT Pro and Minnesota United FC 2

Dodson’s next move took him to Minnesota United FC 2 in MLS NEXT Pro.
He signed a one-year deal, with club options for 2025 and 2026.

This step really highlights how MLS clubs use their second teams to develop and assess experienced players.
Playing in MLS NEXT Pro let Dodson sharpen his positioning and leadership.

He became a steady presence for younger teammates and showed enough to earn another MLS shot.
Late in 2024, D.C. United picked him up in Stage 2 of the MLS Re-Entry Draft.

That move proved his steady play across leagues paid off.
His path—from Orlando, through the USL Championship, to MLS NEXT Pro—really shows the value of patience and growth in pro soccer.

Table: Professional Progression

Year	Club	League	Role
2021	Orlando City SC	MLS	Draft Pick
2021–2023	USL Championship Clubs	USL Championship	Regular Starter
2024	Minnesota United FC 2	MLS NEXT Pro	Defender
2025	D.C. United	MLS	Wing-Back/Right-Back

For more on his current team and stats, check out his D.C. United profile or his Transfermarkt page.

Collegiate Achievements at Georgetown University

At Georgetown, Dodson built his career on consistency, leadership, and production.
He helped the Hoyas win their first national title and earned plenty of conference and national honors for his play.

NCAA Championship and Leadership

Dodson played a key role in Georgetown’s 2019 NCAA Championship run.
As a two-year captain, he led by example—organizing the attack and setting the tone for a disciplined squad.

His leadership helped the Hoyas clinch their first NCAA title, a huge milestone for the program.
Dodson’s ability to shift between forward and midfield gave Georgetown flexibility in big moments.

His presence kept younger players steady and the team focused under tournament pressure.
Teammates often credited him for his preparation and communication.

He treated every game with a pro mindset, showing the structure that would later define his pro career.
His leadership wasn’t loud, but it was always there—and that steadiness anchored a championship roster.

Individual Honors and Stats

Dodson’s record at Georgetown really shows what happens when skill meets discipline. He picked up All-America and First Team All-BIG EAST honors in 2019, after grabbing BIG EAST Freshman of the Year in 2017.

Over four seasons, he played in more than 60 matches. He scored double-digit goals in more than one campaign.

That 2019 season jumps off the page—11 goals, 8 assists, and three of those were game-winners.

Career Highlights Table

Season	Goals	Assists	Key Honors
2017	10	2	BIG EAST Freshman of the Year
2018	9	1	First Team All-BIG EAST
2019	11	8	All-America, NCAA Champion

You can dig deeper into his Georgetown career on the Georgetown University Athletics site.

Impact on D.C. United’s Defense

Derek Dodson brings D.C. United a steadier, more flexible back line. He’s got experience from Georgetown and time in both MLS and USL, so he reads the game fast and links up with teammates under pressure.

He’s become a reliable presence for defenders like Aaron Herrera, David Schnegg, and Lucas Bartlett. That really helps in key defensive rotations.

Integration with Defensive Teammates

Dodson’s value shows up in the way he connects with the rest of the defense. He talks a lot on the field, keeping the back line tight and organized.

Playing next to Herrera and Schnegg, he helps balance the team’s spacing, especially when one of them pushes forward.

Dodson covers wide areas, letting Bartlett hold the middle. That teamwork closes gaps and cuts down on counterattacks.

His work rate and timing really stand out in transition. When United loses the ball, Dodson hustles back, closing down attackers before they reach the center-backs.

Recent Defensive Metrics

Match	Tackles Won	Interceptions	Clearances	Passing Accuracy
vs. NYCFC	2	3	5	84%
vs. Atlanta	1	2	3	86%
vs. Orlando	3	4	4	82%

Those numbers highlight how he helps his teammates with steady defensive actions and solid passing under pressure.

Tactical Fit and Team Strategy

You can really see how Dodson fits into head coach Troy Lesesne’s system. Lesesne likes fullbacks who can both defend and start the attack.

As a right-back or wing-back, Dodson stretches the field and helps move the ball up.

His days as a forward at Georgetown give him a knack for reading attacking patterns. That helps him get into the right spot before danger even starts.

Dodson’s versatility lets D.C. United shift between a back four and a back five without losing shape. When Herrera goes forward, Dodson tucks inside to keep things balanced.

This tactical flexibility boosts the team’s chemistry and gives the coaching staff more options, especially against high-pressing teams or when they need to adjust mid-game.

Future Prospects and Career Outlook

Derek Dodson’s steady climb through pro soccer shows how sticking with it and staying adaptable can keep you in MLS. His past at Georgetown and his recent run with D.C. United point to a player focused on long-term development and team-first value.

Potential for Growth in MLS

Dodson’s path looks like one built on patience and versatility. After joining D.C. United in the 2024 MLS Re-Entry Draft, he started the 2025 season ready to fight for regular minutes.

He can play both right-back and wing-back, which gives the coaches tactical flexibility.

Dodson’s already shown he can handle tougher competition. His stints with Birmingham Legion and Minnesota United FC 2 helped him sharpen his defensive positioning and passing under pressure. Those are big in MLS, where speed and decision-making mean everything.

Key 2024 Statistics (Birmingham Legion FC)

Matches	Goals	Assists	Minutes Played
23	1	2	2,051

At 26, Dodson still has room to grow both physically and tactically. His next step really depends on how well he adjusts to the league’s tempo and keeps up his consistency through a full season.

Long-Term Role and Expectations

You can probably count on Dodson as a reliable depth option for now. If he keeps improving, maybe he’ll even snag a regular starting spot. He’s on a one-year deal through 2025, and there’s a 2026 option—so D.C. United gets some flexibility, and Dodson gets a real shot to show what he’s worth in the long run.

Coaches like to reward players who mix defensive discipline with a bit of attacking flair. Dodson played forward at Georgetown University, and that background gives him instincts most defenders just don’t have, especially when the game shifts quickly.

If he can build chemistry with his teammates and work on hitting more accurate crosses, he could really make a difference in both league matches and U.S. Open Cup games. His future probably hinges less on flashy talent and more on steady, reliable play that earns trust from the staff and fans.