Name
Nkosi TafariPronunciation
n-KOH-si tuh-far-eyeHeight
6' 4"Weight
192 lbsDate of Birth
3.23.1997 (26)Birthplace
Manhattan, USAPosition
DefenderPosition Detail
Central DefenderPreferred Side
UnknownRoster Category
Supplemental Slots 25-28Acquired
Selected by FC Dallas with the 14th overall pick (1st round) in the MLS SuperDraft on January 9, 2020.
Languages Spoken: English
Professional
2021: Tafari appeared in 22 matched and started in 21 for FC Dallas in the MLS regular season. In those 1,824 minutes played, Tafari scored his first professional goal and recorded a couple of assists as well. His lone goal came in a 2-2 tie vs. Texas rivals Houston Dynamo in the 54th minute on August 21. One of the assists came vs. Seattle on August 4, while the other came vs. Texas rival on August 7. Kept two clean sheets throughout the season, and recorded a 53.2% in headed dual percentage.
2020: Burgess appeared in six matches (started six) in USL League one for North Texas SC in 2020. In the 540 minutes he appeared, Burgess scored hist first professional goal vs. Chattanooga Red Wolves SC on October 7 in the 48th minute. He also recorded his first professional assist vs. South Georgia Tormenta FC on October 24 in the 96th minute. Appeared in the USL League One TOTW for week 13.
College
Named 2019 WAC Defensive Player of the Year and selected to the United Soccer Coaches All-Region First Team with Seattle University. He scored one goal and recorded one assist in 20 appearances. 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, Burgess played three seasons with University of Connecticut, appearing in 46 matches, including 17 starts.