Ghanaian defender Chris Odoi-Atsem re-signs for DC United
American-born Ghanaian defender Chris Odoi-Atsem has been re-signed by Major League Soccer side DC United.Odoi-Atsem has been signed on a two-year deal, with an option for a one-year extension.
The 25-year-old had an impressive season, making a total of 15 games. Of the 15 games, he made 8 starts and played a total of 769 minutes, accounting for more than his previous three seasons combined.
In addition, Odoi-Atsem scored his first professional goal in a 2-1 win over FC Cincinnati on October 18.
In a team release, General Manager Dave Kasper said, Chris has really grown as a player since he joined the club and he had his best season last year, consistently performing well for us at outside back…His energy and dynamism in both defence and going forward bring a lot to our side and we look forward to the positive impact he will continue to have on our team for years to come.
Odoi Atsem was selected by D.C. with the 12th overall pick in the 2017 MLS Draft from the University of Maryland and played in nine games (starting five) that season.
In late 2018, Odoi Atsem was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma and underwent treatment for the disease.He managed to return to the field on May 11 with Loudoun United as a second half substitute and later made his D.C. return in a May 29 start.His increased role in 2020 was sidelined due to a concussion in late October.
