SAN JOSE, Calif. –
San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Tommy Thompson has been named to the 20-man roster for the 2016 Chipotle MLS Homegrown Game by head coach Landon Donovan, Major League Soccer announced today. The roster features some of MLS’ most accomplished young stars that will take on the Mexico Under-20 National Team in the third annual Chipotle MLS Homegrown Game on Wednesday, July 27 at 6 p.m. at Avaya Stadium.
Tickets to the 2016 Chipotle MLS Homegrown Game can be purchased at
www.chipotlehomegrown.com
.
Thompson makes his third straight appearance at the Chipotle MLS Homegrown Game. The 20-year-old proved pivotal in last year’s marquee match, notching the Homegrowns’ only goal in a 1-1 draw with the Club América U-20s. Thompson joined the Quakes as the club’s first Homegrown Player signing on Jan. 22, 2014 and has appeared in nine games this year with the team going 4-2-3 while he is on the pitch.
Joining Thompson in San Jose is Seattle Sounders FC rookie and U.S. Men’s National Team forward Jordan Morris, who has become instrumental for Seattle in his first season with his hometown club. The Mercer Island native with six goals and one assist on the year, tied the longest MLS goal-scoring streak by a rookie when he scored in four straight matches from April 16-May 7. Linking up top with Morris is LA Galaxy forward Jack McBean, who recently re-signed with the first team after standout seasons with the Galaxy’s USL team LA Galaxy II. McBean earned club MVP honors in 2015 and scored 12 goals in 14 appearances in 2016.
A total of 11 MLS clubs are represented on the Homegrown roster, with Donovan nabbing goalkeepers Jesse Gonzalez (FC Dallas), Maxime Crépeau (Montreal Impact), defenders Danilo Acosta (Real Salt Lake), Justen Glad (Real Salt Lake), Aaron Guillen (FC Dallas), Phanuel Kavita (Real Salt Lake), Jalen Robinson (D.C. United), Tyler Turner (Orlando City SC), midfielders Tyler Adams (New York Red Bulls), Jordan Allen (Real Salt Lake), Jay Chapman (Toronto FC), Coy Craft (FC Dallas), Harrison Heath (Orlando City SC), Aaron Kovar (Seattle Sounders FC), Raul Mendiola (LA Galaxy),
Tommy Thompson (San Jose Earthquakes)
, and forwards Joey Calistri (Chicago Fire), Jordan Hamilton (Toronto FC), Jack McBean (LA Galaxy) and Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders FC).
MLS Homegrown Players aged 23 or under were available for selection.
The MLS Homegrown Team will take on its most formidable opponent to date in the Mexico U-20s, one of the region’s accomplished youth national teams. The Mexico U-20s lay claim to 13 CONCACAF U-20 Championship titles, most recently winning the past three editions of the tournament in 2011, 2013 and 2015. The Mexico U-20 travelling roster will be named at a later date.
The Chipotle MLS Homegrown Game provides an annual platform in which to showcase MLS’ burgeoning young talent and demonstrate the growth of the league’s youth development system. MLS academies continue to attract and cultivate topflight prospects and have now produced over 150 Homegrown Players who have signed professional contracts with MLS clubs.
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for video soundbytes from Landon Donovan, MLS Homegrown Players, Mexico National Team head coach Juan Carlos Osorio, Mexican Federation Sporting Director of National Teams Santiago Baños and Mexico Under-20 National Team head coach and players.
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for the Chipotle MLS Homegrown Game logo.
Media planning to cover the Chipotle MLS Homegrown Game may apply for credentials by
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. A media schedule is located
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.
2016 MLS Homegrown Team Roster
Goalkeepers:
Jesse Gonzalez (FC Dallas), Maxime Crépeau (Montreal Impact)
Defenders:
Danilo Acosta (Real Salt Lake), Justen Glad (Real Salt Lake), Aaron Guillen (FC Dallas), Phanuel Kavita (Real Salt Lake), Jalen Robinson (D.C. United), Tyler Turner (Orlando City SC)
Midfielders:
Tyler Adams (New York Red Bulls),Jordan Allen (Real Salt Lake), Jay Chapman (Toronto FC), Coy Craft (FC Dallas), Harrison Heath (Orlando City SC), Aaron Kovar (Seattle Sounders FC), Raul Mendiola (LA Galaxy),
Tommy Thompson (San Jose Earthquakes)
Forwards:
Joey Calistri (Chicago Fire), Jordan Hamilton (Toronto FC), Jack McBean (LA Galaxy), Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders FC)
Bios for 2016 MLS Homegrown Team
Maxime Crépeau Goalkeeper Montreal Impact Nationality: Canada Born: May 11, 1994
Crépeau became Montreal’s fourth Homegrown Player in March 2013 and has been steadfast with USL affiliate FC Montreal. A regular in Canada’s youth system, Crépeau received his first senior national team cap in a February friendly against the United States. Previously, Crépeau played in the FIFA Under-17 World Cup and Under-23 Olympic qualifying play.
Jesse Gonzalez Goalkeeper FC Dallas Nationality: Mexico/USA Born: May 25, 1995
Making his second appearance in the Chipotle MLS Homegrown Game (2015, 2016), Gonzalez burst onto the scene near the end of the 2015 season when he assumed the starting goalkeeper position. Gonzalez started the final 11 games of the regular season, compiling a 7-3-1 record and leading Dallas atop the Western Conference standings heading into the postseason. Although born in the United States, Gonzalez represents Mexico on the international stage and has participated in the FIFA Under-20 World Cup and several camps at the Under-23 level.
Danilo Acosta Defender/Midfielder Real Salt Lake Nationality: Honduras Born: November 17, 1997
Acosta signed a Homegrown Player contract with RSL in December 2015 and the rookie has impressed in his time with USL side Real Monarchs this season. Although born in Honduras, Acosta competes internationally for the United States, having been named to coach Tab Ramos’ Under-20 training camp in January 2016 and scoring a goal in a 4-0 U.S. victory over Panama on July 2 at the NTC Tournament. Able to play either center back or the holding midfielder position, Acosta is making his first appearance in the Chipotle MLS Homegrown Game.
Justen Glad Defender Real Salt Lake Nationality: USA Born: February 28, 1997
Glad makes his second appearance in the Chipotle MLS Homegrown Game (2015, 2016) after starting and playing the first half in last year’s edition against the Club America Under-20 squad. After starting six of seven matches he played in last season, Glad is experiencing a breakout campaign in 2016 with 13 starts in 14 games played for Real Salt Lake this year. In addition, Glad has registered career highs in minutes played while registering his first career goal and assist this season.
Aaron Guillen Defender FC Dallas Nationality: USA/Mexico Born: June 23, 1993
The Florida Gulf Coast standout signed with FC Dallas as a Homegrown Player after winning Atlantic Sun Conference Defensive Player of the Year in his senior season in 2015. In his rookie season, Guillen has started one match, playing a full 90 minutes in a 3-0 victory over D.C. United on March 26. Guillen experienced tremendous success in his youth career including a 2012 US Soccer Development Academy national championship with FC Dallas Under-18 and a 2013 Premier Development League title with Austin Aztex.
Tyler Turner Defender Orlando City SC Nationality: USA Born: March 4, 1996
Turner is making his second appearance in the Chipotle MLS Homegrown Game (2015, 2016) after burying a penalty kick attempt in last year’s match against the Club America Under-20 squad. Last year in his rookie season, Turner played seven matches for Orlando, starting five of them. A regular in the U.S. youth international system, Turner played for the U.S. Under-23 squad at the heralded Toulon Tournament in France in 2015.
Phanuel Kavita Defender Real Salt Lake Nationality: DR Congo/USA Born: March 9, 1993
Kavita is making his first appearance in the Chipotle MLS Homegrown Game after starting two matches for Real Salt Lake in his rookie season last year. Now in his second year with RSL, Kavita received his first MLS regular season action of 2016 after starting and playing a full 90 minutes against FC Dallas on June 25. The Democratic Republic of Congo native regularly features for Real Salt Lake’s USL squad Real Monarchs SLC after starting four years at Clemson where he won the ACC Championship as a senior.
Jalen Robinson Defender D.C. United Nationality: USA Born: May 8, 1994
Robinson made his first career start for D.C. United this season, shining in a full 90-minute performance in a 2-0 victory over New England Revolution on June 25 for which he was named to Major League Soccer’s Team of the Week. A versatile player who can line up at center back or right back, Robinson has played for the United States at multiple youth international levels and was most recently called into the U.S. Under-20 camp. This is Robinson’s second appearance in the Chipotle MLS Homegrown Game (2015, 2016).
Tyler Adams Midfielder New York Red Bulls Nationality: USA Born: February 14, 1999
The youngest player to make the Homegrown Roster, Adams makes his first appearance in the game after signing a Homegrown Player contract with New York in November 2015. Internationally, Adams suited up for the United States Under-17 national team at the 2015 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Chile. Adams made his Red Bulls debut this season starting for New York on April 13 against San Jose Earthquakes. Previously, Adams starred for the squad in a July 2015 friendly victory over Chelsea in which he scored a header against the English Premier League side.
Jordan Allen Midfielder Real Salt Lake Nationality: USA Born: April 25, 1995
After a modest rookie season, Allen had a breakthrough 2015 campaign, featuring regularly in Real Salt Lake’s midfield with 11 starts and 23 matches played. This season, Allen has already scored a career-high three goals to go along with one assist in 12 matches, seven of which were starts. Allen has represented the United States at multiple youth levels, most notably playing on the 2015 squad that made it to the quarterfinals of the Under-20 World Cup.
Jay Chapman Midfielder Toronto FC Nationality: Canada Born: January 1, 1994
After a decorated collegiate career at Michigan State, including First Team All-American honors, Chapman signed as a Homegrown Player with Toronto FC on January 15, 2015. After a promising 2015 rookie season, the Ontario native has seen his role with the first team grow, playing in nine matches this season including a career-high three starts. Chapman represented Canada at the 2011 CONCACAF U-17 Championship and the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Coy Craft Midfielder/Forward FC Dallas Nationality: USA Born: May 23, 1997
FC Dallas signed Craft as the team’s 12
th
Homegrown Player in August 2014 after a successful youth career including multiple appearances with the U.S. Under-20 national team, most recently scoring a goal in a 4-0 victory over Panama on July 2. Craft appeared in two matches with one start in 2015 and started in Dallas’ U.S. Open Cup match victory over OKC Energy on June 15. This is Craft’s second consecutive appearance in the Chipotle MLS Homegrown Game (2015, 2016).
Harrison Heath Midfielder/Defender Orlando City SC Nationality: England Born: March 6, 1996
A one-time Norwich City academy player, Heath has come on strong of late for Orlando with two starts in the previous five matches. With two starts to his name this season, Heath has registered a career high in minutes played compared to his 2015 rookie season. Heath most recently started and played 88 minutes in Orlando’s scoreless draw against Houston Dynamo on July 8.
Aaron Kovar Midfielder Seattle Sounders FC Nationality: USA Born: August 14, 1993
Now in his third season with Seattle, Kovar has emerged as a regular contributor with a career-high 13 matches played overall. Kovar scored his first career goal on May 28 against New England Revolution, one of 10 matches he has started this season. Before signing a Homegrown Player contract with Seattle in January 2014, Kovar played two seasons at Stanford University, winning Pac-12 Freshman of the Year in 2012.
Raul Mendiola Midfielder/Forward LA Galaxy Nationality: Mexico Born: May 18, 1994
Signed as the seventh academy player in Galaxy history in February 2014, Mendiola made a career-high three appearances for LA in his 2014 rookie season. Most recently, Mendiola shined in the Galaxy’s 1-0 U.S. Open Cup victory over Portland Timbers on June 29, propelling the team to victory with six recoveries, two clearances, two tackles and scoring the game’s only goal. This is Mendiola’s first appearance in the Chipotle MLS Homegrown Game.
Tommy Thompson Midfielder San Jose Earthquakes Nationality: USA Born: August 15, 1995
Thompson is competing in his third Chipotle MLS Homegrown Game (2014, 2015, 2016) after scoring a goal in last year’s contest against the Club America Under-20 team. After becoming San Jose’s first Homegrown Player signing in franchise history, Thompson has gone on to see action in all three seasons with the Earthquakes. In 2016, Thompson has appeared in nine matches with four starts and is on track to break career highs for matches and minutes played.
Joey Calistri Forward Chicago Fire Nationality: USA Born: November 20, 1993
In his rookie season, Calistri has emerged as an important contributor for Chicago with 10 matches played to go along with one goal scored and one assist. Calistri signed as a Homegrown Player after a successful four-year career at Northwestern University that saw him lead the Wildcats to its best ever finish in the NCAA Tournament and finish as the second leading scorer in school history.
Jordan Hamilton Forward Toronto FC Nationality: Canada Born: March 17, 1996
Hamilton is enjoying a breakout season for Toronto FC with two goals scored in four starts this season. After scoring his first career goal on June 25, Hamilton followed a week later with another goal on July 2 to lift Toronto. In addition, Hamilton scored a brace in Toronto’s Canadian Championship semifinal victory over Montreal, en route to Toronto’s eventual title. Hamilton has played for Canada at multiple youth levels before receiving his first cap in October 2014.
Jordan Morris Forward Seattle Sounders FC Nationality: USA Born: October 26, 1994
In his rookie season for Seattle, Morris leads the team with six goals scored in 17 matches played. Already a regular on the U.S. national team, Morris became the first collegiate player to receive a call up to the senior squad since 1999, scoring his first goal in an April 2015 friendly victory over Mexico. Before signing with Seattle, Morris had an illustrious collegiate career at Stanford University where he won the MAC Hermann Trophy for player of the year and led the Cardinal to a 2015 NCAA Championship.
Jack McBean Forward LA Galaxy Nationality: USA Born: December 15, 1994
McBean became the youngest signing in LA Galaxy history after agreeing to terms with the team in April 2011 at the age of 16. In 2013, McBean registered career highs with seven starts in 15 matches played including one goal and two assists. After leading the USL in goals while with LA Galaxy II in 2016, the Galaxy senior squad re-signed McBean. This is McBean’s first appearance in the Chipotle MLS Homegrown Game.
