North Texas SC has signed defender Chase Niece to an MLS NEXT Pro professional contract. Niece, 23, joins North Texas SC on a one-year contract with an option for the 2023 season.
Niece, primarily a center back, was drafted in the third round, 66th overall, in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft by FC Dallas.
Niece played in 63 games for Saint Louis leading the team defensively to a 16-1-4 record, an undefeated regular season, an Atlantic 10 regular season and tournament titles, and an NCAA quarterfinal appearance.
Niece played for the St. Louis Scott Gallagher Academy in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy.
3rd Degree’s Take
In training with FC Dallas, Niece showed a lot of versatility playing in all four positions along the backline. This is the kind of pick that’s a great fit for North Texas SC. If he progresses, Niece could become a nice defensive depth piece for FC Dallas as he’s already showing usefulness in multiple positions.
Transaction: North Texas SC signs defender Chase Niece to MLS NEXT Pro professional contract.
Name: Chase Niece
Pronunciation: Neece
Position: Defender
DOB: Oct. 28, 1998 (23)
Birthplace: St. Louis, Missouri
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 180
Nationality: United States
Last Club: Saint Louis University
How Acquired: Acquired on Feb. 17
how does he compare to Bartlett from what you have seen?
Bartlet has far more physical gifts. But Niece looks solid. It will be interesting to see if he can progress at NTX.