Alex Dixon

Hugh Alexander "Alex" Dixon (born February 7, 1990) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a winger for USL Championship club Hartford Athletic.

This article is about the American footballer. For the American Blues musician, see Alex Dixon (blues).
Alex Dixon
Personal information
Full name Hugh Alexander Dixon
Date of birth (1990-02-07) February 7, 1990
Place of birth Bay City, Texas, United States
Height 5 ft 8 in (173 cm)
Playing position(s) Winger
Club information
Current team
 Hartford Athletic
Number 11
Youth career
Texas Heat
Houston Texans
2007–2008 Houston Dynamo
College career
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2008–2010 North Carolina Tar Heels 61 (14)
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2010 Reading United 7 (2)
2011–2013 Houston Dynamo 13 (1)
2013 → Tampa Bay Rowdies (loan) 3 (1)
2014–2015 Rochester Rhinos 46 (6)
2016 Jacksonville Armada 15 (2)
2017–2018 Oklahoma City Energy 65 (18)
2019– Hartford Athletic 31 (6)
National team‡
2007 United States U17 3 (0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of October 21, 2019
‡ National team caps and goals correct as of June 19, 2012

College and amateur

The first youth club Dixon played for was the Texas Heat. He then joined the Houston Texans youth soccer club.[1] He was a member of the United States U-17 residency program before returning to the Houston and joining the Houston Dynamo academy. He also trained with the Dynamo first team for a bit during the 2008 season. Dixon then spent three years at UNC Chapel Hill where he appeared regularly for the Tar Heels. North Carolina qualified for the NCAA College Cup during all three of Dixon's season there.[2]

Dixon also spent the 2010 season with Reading United in the USL Premier Development League.[3]

Club career

Houston Dynamo

Dixon was signed a Homegrown Player contract with the Houston Dynamo on January 19, 2011. Dixon was the fourth Homegrown Player in Dynamo history.[4] He made his professional debut on April 2, 2011, coming on as a second-half substitute for Will Bruin in a 1–1 draw with New York Red Bulls.[2] He scored his first goal with the Dynamo on August 20, 2011, with a goal in the 93rd minute to give Houston a 3–2 win over Real Salt Lake.[5]

On September 20, 2012, Dixon made his CONCACAF Champions League debut win he came on as a substitute in a 4-0 win over C.D. FAS.[2] However, Dixon only made 6 appearances across all competitions as he struggled to get game time.

On May 29, 2013, Dixon scored his first US Open Cup goal in a 2-0 win over FC Tucson.[2] However he saw limited playing time and was loaned to the Tampa Bay Rowdies.[6] On April 27, Dixon scored his first and only goal for Tampa Bay, against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers.[2] Dixon saw limited game time in his three seasons in Houston and was waived after the 2013 season.[7]

Rochester Rhinos

Dixon signed with Rochester Rhinos at the beginning of the 2014 season.[8] He made his Rhinos debut on April 5 against Orlando City.[9][10] Dixon scored his first goal for Rochester on May 2, 2014 in a 1-1 draw with the Richmond Kickers.[9] On May 17th, Dixon scored the winning goal in a 1-0 over the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.[11] Dixon helped the Rhinos qualify for the 2014 USL Playoffs. In their first match, he got an assist, but the Rhinos lost 2-1 to LA Galaxy II.[12]

Dixon got off to a hot start in the 2015 season, scoring 3 times in the first 6 games. The first came on April 4th as he scored the winning goal to give the Rhinos a 2-1 over Pittsburgh.[13] The next goal for Dixon came on April 16th to rescue a draw against Louisville City.[14] Then on April 26th, Dixon scored another game winner, this time against New York Red Bulls II, to give Rochester a 2-0 win.[15] Although Dixon failed to score the rest of the season for Rochester, he still made an impact in other ways, such as picking up 2 assists, drawing fouls in dangerous areas, and using his pace and positioning to create opportunities for the other forwards.[16] Dixon helped Rochester win their first ever USL Regular Season title in club history, topping the table by 13 points.[17] Dixon started all three of the Rhinos' playoffs games as they went on to win the playoffs as well.[18]

Jacksonville Armada

On December 16, 2015, Dixon signed with Jacksonville Armada FC of the North American Soccer League ahead of the 2016 season.[19] He made his Armada debut on April 10, 2016 in a 2-0 defeat to the New York Cosmos.[18] On June 1st, Jacksonville was tied in extra time until the 108th minute when Dixon backheeled a pass to Alhassane Keita who put it in the net to give the Armada a 2-1 win over the Charleston Battery in the US Open Cup.[20] On July 9th, Dixon scored one and assisted on another goal as Jacksonville beat Puerto Rico FC 2-1,[21] giving Dixon his first goal with the Armada.[9] Dixon scored his second goal for Jacksonville on October 19th as he helped the Armada defeat Miami FC 3-2.[22]

Oklahoma City Energy

Dixon joined USL side Oklahoma City Energy on December 8, 2016.[23] He made his OKC debut on March 25 in a 3-1 loss to Swope Park Rangers.[9] In the Energy's next match, Dixon scored his first goal for OKC as they got a 1-1 draw with the Colorado Springs Switchbacks.[24] On May 17th Dixon scored twice as the Energy defeated Moreno Valley FC 5-1 in their second round match in the US Open Cup.[25] Dixon would score again in OKC's next match, this time in league play, on May 20th in a 1-0 win over Orange County SC.[26] On August 5th, Dixon scored a brace as the Energy won 2-0 against Real Monarchs, who were at the top of the league table.[27] On October 8th, Dixon had 2 assists to help give Oklahoma City a 4-1 over Swope Park. The victory also clinched the Energy's spot in the 2017 USL Playoffs.[28] Dixon and the Energy reached the conference finals, but lost 7-6 on penalties.[29] On the season, Dixon was 3rd in goals scored and minutes played for OKC.[30]

Dixon re-signed with the Energy on December 13, 2017.[31] The Energy and Dixon got off to a slow start in 2018, going 2-0-8 in their first 10 league games with Dixon failing to record a goal or assist during that span. Dixon picked up his first assist of the year on May 26 in a 1-1 draw with the Tulsa Roughnecks.[32] He would score his first goal of the season on June 2nd in a 2-1 defeat to Reno 1868.[33] Dixon would find the back of the net again in OKC's next match, however they would once again lose 2-1, this time to Seattle Sounders 2.[34] On July 4th, Dixon got an assist to help the Energy to a 1-1 draw with San Antonio FC.[35] He would stay hot in OKC's next match as he scored to help the Energy earn a 1-1 draw with Colorado Springs on July 7th.[36] In Oklahoma City's next match, Dixon would lead them to a win over Las Vegas Lights FC, scoring twice and assisting on another to help the Energy earn a 6-4 win.[37] Dixon was named to the USL Team of the Week for his performance against Las Vegas.[38] On August 8th, Dixon scored as the Energy beat Tulsa 3-0, giving them the season series in the Black Gold Derby.[39] He would score again in their next game to help OKC beat Real Monarchs 3-2.[40] On August 18th, Dixon found the back of the net for the third straight game and also added an assist as OKC defeated Rio Grande Valley 4-2.[41] Dixon was once again named to the USL Team of the Week as a result of his good performances.[42] He would end the season in good form, scoring in 3 of the last 6 matches.[9] The Energy failed to qualify for the playoffs in 2018. However, Dixon enjoyed the most productive season of his career, his 34 appearances, 5 assists, and 11 goals were both career highs.[43] His 11 goals were also the most on the team.

Hartford Athletic

On December 18, 2018, Dixon joined Hartford Athletic ahead of their inaugural 2019 season.[44] Dixon made his Hartford debut on March 9, 2019 in a 2-0 loss to Atlanta United 2.[45] He scored his first goal for Hartford on April 27, however they would lose 4-1 to North Carolina FC.[46] Dixon got his first assist for Hartford on May 10 in a 1-2 loss to Memphis 901. He picked up his second goal for Hartford on July 17 in a 4-3 loss to Swope Park Rangers.[47] On September 7, Dixon scored twice in a 5-1 win over Loudoun United and was subsequently named to the USLC Team of the Weak. He finished the season with 5 goals, tied for 3rd most on the team, and with 4 assists, tied for the most on the team.[48]

On October 30 2019, Dixon signed a contract with Hartford for the 2020 season.[48]

Personal life

Dixon has three brothers and one sister. He graduated from Atascocita High School. Dixon grew up in Humble, Texas.[2] He started to play soccer when he was 4.[1] Dixon grew up an Arsenal fan.[30] Athletes Dixon grew up admiring include Thierry Henry, Michael Jordan, and Allen Iverson.[2][30]

Career statistics
As of December 18, 2019[49][50][51]
Club Season League Playoffs Cup Continental Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Reading United 2010[52] PDL 720000–72
Houston Dynamo 2011 MLS 710010–81
2012 4000101060
2013 2000211051
Total 131004120192
Tampa Bay Rowdies (loan) 2013 NASL 31–00–31
Rochester Rhinos 2014 USL Pro 2231030–263
2015 USL 2433010–283
Total 466404000546
Jacksonville Armada 2016 NASL 152–10–162
OKC Energy 2017 USL 3172032–369
2018 3411–10–3511
Total 65182042007120
Hartford Athletic 2019 USL Championship 275–10–285
2020 0 0 0 0 0 0 – 0 0
Total 27 5 0 0 1 0 0 0 28 5
Career total 17635601432019838

    Honors

    Reading United

    • USL PDL Mid Atlantic Division: 2010[53]
    • USL PDL Eastern Conference: 2010[53]

    Rochester Rhinos

    • USL Playoffs: 2015
    • USL Regular Season: 2015

    References
    1. Yardley, Jonathan (March 8, 2011). "Newcomer Spotlight: Alex Dixon". Houston Dynamo. Retrieved April 13, 2019.
    2. "Alex Dixon". Houston Dynamo. Retrieved April 13, 2019.
    3. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2012-10-08. Retrieved 2011-05-01.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
    4. http://www.houstondynamo.com/news/2011/01/dynamo-sign-two-academy-players
    5. Lovell, Darrell (August 20, 2011). "Dixon's first MLS goal gives Dynamo win". Houston Dynamo. Retrieved April 13, 2019.
    6. "Dynamo loan Alex Dixon to Tampa Bay Rowdies". Houston Dynamo. April 5, 2013. Retrieved April 13, 2019.
    7. http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/11/25/major-league-soccer-confirms-selection-order-ahead-annual-waiver-draft
    8. rhinoadmin (2014-03-21). "The 2014 Rhinos Roster Expands by Five". Rochester Rhinos. Retrieved 2019-04-14.
    9. "USA - A. Dixon - Profile with news, career statistics and history - Soccerway". int.soccerway.com. Retrieved 2019-04-14.
    10. "Rochester Rhinos open season in Orlando". Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. Retrieved 2019-04-14.
    11. rhinoadmin (2014-05-17). "Rhinos Run Unbeaten Streak to Seven". Rochester Rhinos. Retrieved 2019-04-14.
    12. "LA Galaxy II defeat Rochester Rhinos in USL PRO Playoff quarterfinal match". lagalaxy.com. September 13, 2014. Retrieved April 13, 2019.
    13. "Pittsburgh Riverhounds vs. Rochester Rhinos - 5 April 2015 - Soccerway". int.soccerway.com. Retrieved 2019-04-14.
    14. "Louisville City vs. Rochester Rhinos - 17 April 2015 - Soccerway". int.soccerway.com. Retrieved 2019-04-14.
    15. admin, usl (2015-04-26). "Rhinos Extend Unbeaten Streak to Six, Blank NYRBII". USL Championship. Retrieved 2019-04-14.
    16. Doherty, Brendan (2015-12-23). "Miller, Dixon, and McMahon leave the Rhinos". The Bent Musket. Retrieved 2019-04-14.
    17. rhinoadmin (2015-10-19). "Rochester Rhinos Capture 2015 USL Championship". Rochester Rhinos. Retrieved 2019-04-14.
    18. "Players | NASL". www.nasl.com. Retrieved 2019-04-14.
    19. "Armada FC Signs 2015 USL Champion Forward Alex Dixon". www.jacksonvillearmada.com. Retrieved 2019-04-14.
    20. "Charleston Battery at Jacksonville Armada FC - 2016 U.S. Open Cup - Third Round - 7 p.m. ET - Southern Oak Stadium (Jacksonville Univ.); Jacksonville, Fla". www.ussoccer.com. Retrieved 2019-04-14.
    21. "RECAP: Armada Moves to 2nd Place With 2-1 Win Over Puerto Rico FC". www.jacksonvillearmada.com. Retrieved 2019-04-14.
    22. "Jacksonville Armada vs. Miami FC - 20 October 2016 - Soccerway". int.soccerway.com. Retrieved 2019-04-14.
    23. "Energy sign NASL forward Alex Dixon". NewsOK.com. 2016-12-08. Retrieved 2019-04-14.
    24. Darkow, George (2017-04-01). "Energy Earns First Point of 2017 in 1-1 Draw". OKC Energy FC. Retrieved 2019-04-15.
    25. Communications, Energy FC (2017-05-17). "Energy FC overcomes shaky start to down Moreno Valley FC 5-1 in U.S. Open Cup play". OKC Energy FC. Retrieved 2019-04-15.
    26. Darkow, George (2017-05-20). "Dixon, Red Card Guide OKC to Home Win". OKC Energy FC. Retrieved 2019-04-15.
    27. Darkow, George (2017-08-05). "Dixon, Energy Knock off First-Place Monarchs". OKC Energy FC. Retrieved 2019-04-15.
    28. Darkow, George (2017-10-08). "OKC Downs Rangers, Clinches Playoff Berth". OKC Energy FC. Retrieved 2019-04-15.
    29. "OKC Energy FC Playoffs". www.uslchampionship.com. Retrieved 2019-04-15.
    30. "Alex Dixon". www.energyfc.com. Retrieved 2019-04-15.
    31. "Alex Dixon and Richard Dixon Re-Sign with Energy FC". OurSports Central. 2017-12-13. Retrieved 2019-04-15.
    32. "2018 | Tulsa Roughnecks FC vs OKC Energy FC | uslchampionship.com". www.uslchampionship.com. Retrieved 2019-04-15.
    33. "2018 | OKC Energy FC vs Reno 1868 FC | uslchampionship.com". www.uslchampionship.com. Retrieved 2019-04-15.
    34. "2018 | OKC Energy FC vs Reno 1868 FC | uslchampionship.com". www.uslchampionship.com. Retrieved 2019-04-15.
    35. "2018 | San Antonio FC vs OKC Energy FC | uslchampionship.com". www.uslchampionship.com. Retrieved 2019-04-15.
    36. "2018 | OKC Energy FC vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC | uslchampionship.com". www.uslchampionship.com. Retrieved 2019-04-15.
    37. "2018 | OKC Energy FC vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC | uslchampionship.com". www.uslchampionship.com. Retrieved 2019-04-15.
    38. Staff, USLSoccer com (2018-07-17). "Iwasa Voted USL Player of the Week". USL Championship. Retrieved 2019-04-15.
    39. "2018 | Tulsa Roughnecks FC vs OKC Energy FC | uslchampionship.com". www.uslchampionship.com. Retrieved 2019-04-15.
    40. "2018 | OKC Energy FC vs Real Monarchs SLC | uslchampionship.com". www.uslchampionship.com. Retrieved 2019-04-15.
    41. "2018 | Rio Grande Valley FC vs OKC Energy FC | uslchampionship.com". www.uslchampionship.com. Retrieved 2019-04-15.
    42. Staff, USLSoccer com (2018-08-21). "Seaton Voted USL Player of the Week". USL Championship. Retrieved 2019-04-15.
    43. "Alex Dixon". www.hartfordathletic.com. Retrieved 2019-04-15.
    44. Staff, USLChampionship com (2018-12-18). "Athletic Announces First Three Signings in Club History". USL Championship. Retrieved 2019-04-15.
    45. Athletic, Hartford (2019-03-09). "Hartford Athletic Falls to Atlanta United 2, 2-0". Hartford Athletic | Connecticut's Only Professional Soccer Team. Retrieved 2019-04-06.
    46. Athletic, Hartford (2019-04-27). "RECAP: Athletic Fall to NCFC". Hartford Athletic | Connecticut's Only Professional Soccer Team. Retrieved 2019-04-28.
    47. "Alex Dixon 2019 Match Logs". FBref.com. Retrieved 2019-07-26.
    48. Athletic, Hartford (2019-10-30). "Hartford Athletic Welcomes Back Four Players For 2020 Season". Hartford Athletic | Connecticut's Only Professional Soccer Team. Retrieved 2019-12-19.
    49. Alex Dixon at Major League Soccer
    50. Alex Dixon at Soccerway. Retrieved April 6, 2019.
    51. "Alex Dixon". fbref.com. Retrieved April 6, 2019.
    52. "2010 Reading United statistics". ReadingUnitedAC.com. Reading United AC. Retrieved April 6, 2019.
    53. "Past Results". www.readingunitedac.com. Retrieved 2019-04-06.
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