Minnesota United midfielder Hassani Dotson signed a new contract starting in 2022, but he still can't help but think what might have been.
Particularly as next month's Tokyo Olympics approach.
In March, Dotson and the U.S. Under-23 team came within a game of qualifying for the Olympics for the first time since 2008. But they were denied by a 2-1 loss to Honduras in Guadalajara, Mexico.
"It was a great experience to play with a lot of really good prospects from all sorts of countries," Dotson said. "It's a very sad feeling not to qualify. A couple days, a week after, it sinks in and when the Olympics come, it's going to be hurt even more. That's one of the most difficult parts of this job: How quickly can you be ready to tackle the next obstacle in your path?
"For myself and my career, it's important to be back here and now is the time for me to bounce back."
He and Loons teammate Chase Gasper have been named to U.S. men's national team's preliminary roster for next month's CONCACAF Gold Cup.
"That's my goal," Dotson said about making the senior team. "That obviously is not under my control. There are a lot of talented players in the pool."
Newcomers in; Reynoso as sub
Star midfielder Emanuel Reynoso began Saturday night's game at FC Dallas on the sideline as a substitute. He did so even though coach Adrian Heath had said a three-week schedule break allowed Reynoso rest and rehab to get his body in the best shape since he arrived in Minnesota.
