Sports stats



MLS FC Dallas

FC Dallas Re-Signs Defender Nkosi Tafari

December 17, 2021 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
FC Dallas News Release


FRISCO, Texas - FC Dallas has signed defender and 2020 MLS SuperDraft pick Nkosi Tafari to a new three-year contract with club options for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, the club announced today. Per team policy, terms of the deal will not be disclosed.

Haga clic aquí para obtener una versión de este comunicado en español.

Tafari, 24, made his MLS debut at home on June 19 vs. Minnesota United FC at Toyota Stadium. He appeared in 22 matches, including 21 starts, and scored his first MLS goal in the 2-2 draw against Texas Derby rival Houston Dynamo FC on Aug. 21. He also recorded two assists. He was named to the MLSsoccer.com's Team of the Week bench for Weeks 16 and 21. He led the team with 127 clearances and had a career-high of 16 clearances against Sporting Kansas City on July 31.

Off the field, Tafari continues to advocate for his community and is an active member of Black Players for Change. On April 17, 2021, Tafari revealed on Instagram his jersey with the name "Tafari" displayed on the back. He announced he was going by his middle name instead of his last name, Burgess, because it is a better representation of who he is and showcases his pride in his African heritage. His given last name, Burgess, has a slavery connotation.

In September 2021, Tafari partnered with the FC Dallas Foundation and Soccer90 to launch :) T-shirts with proceeds from the sale of the shirts benefiting the FC Dallas Foundation. Tafari started the emoticon frenzy when he tweeted ":)" after FC Dallas' win 2-1 over Sporting Kansas City on July 31, 2021. FC Dallas fans and players immediately embraced the simple yet positive message which they've continued to promote and post on social media following FC Dallas victories.

Tafari started in six matches for USL League One's North Texas SC in 2020. In the 540 minutes he appeared, Tafari scored hist first professional goal vs. Chattanooga Red Wolves SC on Oct. 7. He also recorded his first professional assist vs. South Georgia Tormenta FC on Oct. 24. He started two North Texas SC matches in 2021, scored a goal and earned a Team of the Week honor following the club's 3-0 victory over Greenville Triumph at Globe Life Park June 13.

Tafari was selected by FC Dallas 14th overall in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft. He was named the 2019 WAC Defensive Player of the Year and selected to the United Soccer Coaches All-Region First Team with Seattle University. He earned 18 starts with Seattle's backline and helped the Redhawks earn 10 shutouts and the regular season title. Prior to joining Seattle U, Tafari played three seasons with University of Connecticut, appearing in 46 matches, including 17 starts.

Name: Nkosi Tafari

Pronunciation: En-KO-see tuh-far-eye

Connect with Nkosi: Twitter | Instagram

Position: Defender

DOB: March 23, 1997 (24)

College: Seattle University

Hometown: Manhattan, New York

Height: 6-4

Weight: 192

Nationality: USA

Transaction: FC Dallas has signed defender Nkosi Tafari to a new three-year contract with club options for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.

Check out the FC Dallas Statistics

• Discuss this story on the Major League Soccer message board...

Major League Soccer Stories from December 17, 2021


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central