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MLS Draft 2017: D.C. United selects Maryland Terrapins defender Chris Odoi-Atsem

With their first pick in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft, D.C. United selected Maryland Terrapins defender Chris Odoi-Atsem. Described by Terps coach Sasho Cirovski as “the strongest one-on-one defender [he’d] ever coached,” Odoi-Atsem has deep local roots. A Maryland native who spent his NCAA career just a few miles away from RFK Stadium, Odoi-Atsem is a player United has no doubt scouted thoroughly.

Odoi-Atsem made news just before the draft, opting to sign a contract with MLS rather than having to negotiate one with whatever club ended up picking him:

Chris Odoi-Atsem of @MarylandMSoccer signed an MLS contract last night.