The Dominique Badji File: “Menace” Forward Looking to Hit His Stride in Nashville

The Dominique Badji File, 1.4.19

VETERAN MLS GOALSCORER ACQUIRED FROM FC DALLAS THIS WINTER


NASHVILLE - Forwards like Dominique Badji don’t grow on trees.


The 6’0’’, 170 lb. Badji joins Nashville SC after scoring 32 goals in four MLS seasons split between the Colorado Rapids and FC Dallas. As you’ll see when you watch his highlight reel, his physical attributes coupled with some game-breaking speed make him a nightmare to defend when he gets into the attacking third of the pitch.


Here’s all you need to know about Badji, who has been described by Nashville SC GM Mike Jacobs as “a menace to play against.”


The Basics

Name: Dominique Badji
Position: Forward
How Acquired: Traded to Nashville SC by FC Dallas in exchange for $175,000 in TAM and $150,000 in GAM
Age: 27 (10/16/1992)
Height: 6’0’’
Weight: 170
Hometown: Dakar, Senegal
Past Clubs: FC Dallas (2018-2019), Colorado Rapids (2015-2018)
College: Boston University


Three Things to Know

Goals, Goals, Goals – Badji is a bona fide goal scorer, who has done it from all over the pitch. With the Colorado Rapids from 2015-18, Badji played primarily as a center forward, amassing 24 goals and 12 assists over three and a half seasons. He was then traded to FC Dallas, where he played both centrally and wide, scoring eight goals and adding four assists over one and a half seasons. In addition to regular season success, Badji has helped guide teams to the playoffs as well, making four appearances during Colorado’s playoff run in 2016 and one with FC Dallas in 2018.


Rollin’ With The Rapids – Badji was a key figure of the Colorado Rapids’ potent offense during three and a half seasons in Denver. His best season came in 2017 when he scored nine goals and added six assists in 33 appearances. Badji continued that strong run of form in 2018 with seven goals and two assists with Colorado. Some of his highlight-reel plays include assists from his back, poached goals in front of the net and brilliant individual runs and shots.


On A Tear With The Terriers – Badji made a name for himself in the college ranks as a forward for the Boston University Terriers. He appeared in 69 matches for the Terriers from 2011 to 2014, scoring 26 goals. He had his best season in 2014, winning the Patriot League Offensive Player of the Year Award. His strong performances got him selected by Colorado in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft.


What They’re Saying
GM Mike Jacobs

“When you look at what Dom did prior to his trade with Dallas, he scored 16 goals in a season and a half with Colorado and got them to the MLS Cup Playoffs in 2016. He played a very key role in Colorado’s attack, and that was only 18 months ago. Throughout his time in Colorado and then in Dallas, what Dominique has shown is that when he’s in games in a role that he’s comfortable with, he’s an absolute threat to create scoring chances for himself and for others.”


Buzz Carrick of 3rd Degree (To Tim Sullivan of For Club and Country)

“Good dude actually, good sense of humor, gets along with everyone. Quality locker room guy, quality teammate. Doesn’t complain, works hard, fairly good health record. A really solid MLS vet roster piece. I think he’s a good add for Nashville…If he fits what your coach is doing, he’s a good piece.”


MLSSoccer.com

“Badji has grown immensely as a player since being selected late in the 2015 SuperDraft. After notching career highs in goals and assists in 2017, the former Boston University standout scored eight goals over one-and-a-half seasons with Dallas.”


Highlights
Doing It All Himself, May 2017