|
Jason Thompson (born November 22, 1981 in Garland, Texas) is an American soccer player, who currently plays striker for D.C. United of Major League Soccer.
Thompson played college soccer at Eastern Illinois University from 2000 to 2002. His freshman year Thompson exploded onto the national soccer scene, surprising everybody by scoring 21 goals to lead the NCAA, and in the process was named the Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Year and to Soccer America's All-Freshman team. Thompson's next year was not quite so impressive, however, as he registered only 5 goals. Thompson did significantly better in 2002, however, finishing the year with 14 goals and 4 assists, earning him a first-team All-Midwest selection. Because of his performances for the Under-23 national team, Thompson was offered a Project-40 contract after his junior season, which he accepted.
Thompson was selected 15th overall in the 2003 MLS SuperDraft by his hometown Dallas Burn. Unfortunately, Thompson tore his ACL during the preseason while playing with the U-23 team, and missed all of the 2003 season. Upon returning in 2004, Thompson had trouble breaking into new coach Colin Clarke's veteran-dominated lineup, and after making one appearance, was traded to D.C. United. D.C.'s forward situation was equally congested, however, and although Thompson plays a target forward role unlike United's other strikers, he only made one appearance for the team, coming on as a substitute and playing 60 minutes.
See also
|
