It's no secret that The University of Memphis has turned out MLB, NBA, and NFL athletes. Now, thanks to Daniel Dobson, senior midfielder/defender on the men's soccer team, you can add the MLS to the list.
It was confirmed Wednesday that the Kansas City Wizards picked up Dobson as a discovery pick. The Tiger senior will report to camp on Tuesday as an undrafted free agent.
The Wizards organization became interested in Dobson after hearing what coaches around the league were saying.
"I first became aware of him through other coaches in Conference USA that faced Memphis," said Bob Gansler, Kansas City's head coach.
Gansler pointed to Dobson's knowledge of the game as a key element in targeting him as a prospect for the Wizards.
"He understands how to play," Gansler said. "Being a left footer is an added plus."
Grant said that Dobson would most likely be one of ten developmental players on the squad next season. As a developmental player, Dobson would not be a part of the 18-man roster that suits up for games, but he would be in line to play the following season, depending on his progress.
"He will have to adjust to the speed of play," Gansler said. "But I expect him to develop."
Although he cannot officially sign until March 1, Dobson is not sweating the wait.
"They pretty much guaranteed me a spot on the 28-man roster," Dobson said.
Dobson will be in Kansas City from Tuesday until Feb. 25 to work out with the Wizards. During this time, he will participate in two-a-days and exhibitions against other MLS teams.
Dobson is looking forward to the challenge as a professional.
"I want to improve by playing with their (the Wizards') squad," he said.
According to U of M head coach, Richie Grant, Dobson is capable of getting better.
"He hasn't peaked yet," Grant said. "He's continually developing. He's ready for the demand of the professional league."
Although he has always had the goal of playing professional soccer, Dobson credits his play as a senior and the Tigers' achievements last fall with his being picked up by an MLS squad. The U of M won the C-USA tournament last season and earned a birth in the NCAA regionals.
"I think our team's overall success was a huge factor," he said. "I had a pretty good year. I always thought I had a chance to play professionally."
Dobson added that it wasn't until last season that this chance became a reality.
Dobson had his best season as a senior. In addition to being captain of the Tiger squad, he was named to the C-USA All-Conference First Team after setting career highs in goals (5), assists (7), and points (17). He highlighted his senior campaign when he scored the game-winning goal against No. 23 UAB to win the C-USA conference tournament.
"He brought leadership in his ability and commitment to winning," Grant said. He added that Dobson was more than just a good player for The U of M.
"He was a move in the right direction for the program."
Although Grant is excited about Dobson's opportunity with the Wizards, he knows it will hurt to lose him.
"Obviously when you have a player that continues to play at the highest level, he'll be missed," Grant said.
