Hassani Dotson Bio
Hassani Dotson Stephenson, born on August 6, 1997, is an American professional soccer player who plays as a midfielder for the Seattle Sounders in Major League Soccer. A versatile operator, Dotson has built his reputation as a central midfielder while also excelling in roles on the left wing and at right back during his time with Minnesota United. He is recognized for his work rate, two-way play, and adaptability across multiple positions in midfield and defense.
After a standout college career at Oregon State University, Dotson was selected 31st overall in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft by Minnesota United, where he developed into a steady MLS contributor before moving to the Seattle Sounders as a free agent in December 2025.
Early Life and Background
Hassani Dotson Stephenson was born on August 6, 1997, in Federal Way, Washington. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, he was introduced to soccer at a young age and developed through local youth setups in the region known for producing technical players.
His formative years in Washington helped shape his two-way profile as a midfielder, blending defensive awareness with attacking contributions. The combination of a strong local foundation and a clear path through the U.S. development system prepared him for the rigors of college soccer at Oregon State University.
Path to Professional Soccer
Dotson attended Oregon State University, where he played college soccer for four seasons from 2015 to 2018. Over that span, he made 72 appearances for the Beavers, scoring five goals and adding three assists while establishing himself as a reliable presence in the middle of the park.
His senior year brought notable recognition, as Dotson was named to the United Soccer Coaches Second Team of the All-Far West Region, earned Second Team All-Pac-12 Conference honors, and received a Pac-12 Conference Academic Honorable Mention. Alongside his college play, he gained further experience in the Premier Development League with Washington Crossfire in 2016 and Lane United FC in 2017 and 2018, sharpening his game against a range of amateur and semi-professional opposition.
That blend of college production and PDL minutes set the stage for his professional entry. In January 2019, Dotson was selected 31st overall in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft by Minnesota United, officially launching his professional career.
Hassani Dotson Career
Early Career at Minnesota United (2019–2021)
Dotson signed with Minnesota United on February 16, 2019, and made his professional debut on March 2 of that year against the Vancouver Whitecaps. He opened his MLS goalscoring account on June 2, 2019, in a match against Philadelphia, marking an early milestone in his transition to the professional ranks.
In June 2021, he committed his future to the club by signing a three-year contract extension with Minnesota United, signaling his growing importance to the team’s midfield plans.
Minnesota United Tenure (2019–2025)
During his tenure with Minnesota United, Dotson became a regular contributor, valued for his versatility across central midfield, left wing, and right back. His two-way play and willingness to fill multiple roles made him a trusted option for coaching staffs across several seasons.
In April 2022, Dotson tore his ACL, an injury that kept him out of action until the 2023 season opener in February. During his recovery, he spent roughly three months in Oregon with his wife, their newborn daughter, and his in-laws. He returned to contribute again for Minnesota United, continuing to feature prominently in the squad.
In March 2025, Dotson suffered a torn meniscus during a match and underwent surgery shortly thereafter. The injury sidelined him for approximately six months before he returned to action against the Colorado Rapids on September 27, 2025. He went on to make six additional appearances that season, including four in the MLS Cup playoffs, before his contract expired.
Seattle Sounders Era (2025–Present)
On December 16, 2025, Dotson signed with the Seattle Sounders as a free agent following the expiration of his three-year contract and subsequent 2025 extension with Minnesota United. The move brought him back to the Pacific Northwest, where he grew up and first developed as a player.
His arrival added veteran midfield depth and positional versatility to the Sounders roster as the club looked to build around experienced two-way contributors.
Playing Style and Strengths
Dotson is recognized for his work rate, tactical flexibility, and comfort operating as a central midfielder, left winger, or right back. His ability to read the game defensively while still contributing in attack has made him a reliable connector for his teams across multiple seasons in MLS.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the defining moments of Dotson’s career are his first MLS goal against Philadelphia on June 2, 2019, his return from a torn ACL in time for the 2023 season opener, his recovery from a torn meniscus in 2025 to play four MLS Cup playoff matches, and his December 2025 free-agent move to the Seattle Sounders.
Hassani Dotson Career Highlights
Across his time with Minnesota United and the Seattle Sounders, Dotson has accumulated a steady body of professional appearances in MLS, supplemented by stints in the Premier Development League with Washington Crossfire and Lane United FC. His MLS debut, first goal, return from two major knee injuries, and playoff contributions stand out as key markers of his career to date.
Minnesota United Highlights
With Minnesota United, Dotson was a regular across multiple seasons, contributing in central midfield and filling in on the left wing and at right back when needed. He featured in MLS Cup playoff matches during the 2025 season after returning from a torn meniscus, underscoring his importance to the squad.
Other Performances
Beyond his MLS work, Dotson represented the United States under-23 team in 2019 and was named to the U.S. under-23 roster for the 2020 CONCACAF Men’s Olympic Qualifying Championship. After the qualifiers were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he rejoined the squad when the tournament resumed in March 2021 and started in the first match.
Hassani Dotson Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Dotson is married to Croatian Petra Vučković, whom he met while attending Oregon State University. He proposed to her on the field following a 2021 match at Allianz Field. Together, the couple has a daughter named Gia, who was born in 2022.
During his recovery from an ACL injury in 2022, Dotson spent approximately three months in Oregon living with his wife, their newborn daughter, and his in-laws, reflecting the close-knit support system that has helped sustain his professional career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season was defined for Dotson by a major knee injury and a determined comeback. He suffered a torn meniscus in March 2025 and underwent surgery shortly thereafter, sidelining him for about six months before he returned to action against the Colorado Rapids on September 27, 2025.
Following his return, Dotson made six additional appearances for Minnesota United that season, including four in the MLS Cup playoffs, providing important depth and two-way play during the club’s postseason run. His playoff involvement highlighted the trust the coaching staff placed in his experience and positional versatility.
With his Minnesota United contract set to expire, Dotson signed with the Seattle Sounders as a free agent on December 16, 2025, beginning a new chapter in his MLS career in his home region of the Pacific Northwest.