The San Jose Earthquakes landed one of the best attacking players in college soccer after reaching a deal to sign Indiana University freshman sensation Tommy Thompson to a Homegrown Player contract, sources confirmed to SBI on Thursday evening.
A day after a draft that saw them land a pair of California natives in the 2014 MLS Draft in J.J. Koval and Joe Sofia, the Earthquakes added a player in Thompson who was widely considered one of the best attacking players in the nation. Thompson helped lead Indiana University to the Big 10 Championship after scoring five goals despite missing six matches due to a groin injury.
The Big 10 Freshman of the Year had been courted by the Earthquakes for much of the off-season, and at one point there were questions raised about San Jose’s Homegrown Player claim, but the Earthquakes landed the quick forward/winger after making an improved off that convinced him to turn pro after just one college season.
By signing as a Homegrown Player, Thompson becomes the first Earthquakes signing in that category, meaning that all 19 MLS clubs have now signed players through their academy system.
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Chyeaa! Another Sacramento talent coming through in MLS. Just wait till Republic FC crashes the MLS party and steals everyone’s groupies and drinks everyone’s alcohol.
Sacramento is a gold mine for soccer talent and Republic FC will have one of the most promising academies for developing and signing homegrown talent.
Saw him play in Sacramento as part of Sac Republic’s announcement festivities. He’s talented, for sure.
whew- that’s a relief. looking forward to see Tommy in the new ‘Quakes uni!
Was he part of SJ’s academy for at least 12 months? It doesn’t appear he was. So once again MLS appears to be making up rules on the fly.
And you are basing your opinion on…?
He reportedly was part of their academy in 2012, but missed out for a while due to injury.
Sweet.