D.C. United have signed 22-year-old defender Chris Odoi-Atsem to a one-year contract with options for 2019 and 2020.

Odoi-Atsem played the 2017 season with the Black-and-Red after he was selected 12th overall in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft. He made his MLS debut for United when he came on as a 90th-minute substitute in the 3-1 win against Atlanta United on April 30, 2017.

“Chris is an athletically gifted young talent who has the tools to be successful in this league,” Dave Kasper, United General Manager said. “Last season, he proved that he can make the jump to the professional level and we’re excited to continue working with him in the 2018 season.”

Odoi-Atsem made nine MLS appearances (five starts) for the Black-and-Red in 2017, recording 482 total minutes in his debut season. The outside back won 72.7% of his tackles while recording 23 clearances and winning 70% of his aerial duels. He also started and played 90 minutes in both of United’s 2017 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup matches.

The former University of Maryland standout was selected by United with the 12th overall pick in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft. Odoi-Atsem scored three goals and recorded eight assists in 88 appearances over four seasons with the Terrapins. He earned First-Team All-Big Ten honors in his sophomore and senior seasons.

Player: Chris Odoi-Atsem

Position: Defender

Birthplace: Mitchellville, Md.

Country: United States

Birthdate: 05/28/1995

Age: 22

Height: 5’10"

Weight: 150

Previous Club: D.C. United

Status: Domestic

Transaction: D.C. United signed Chris Odoi-Atsem to a one-year contract with options for 2019 and 2020.