SAN JOSE, Calif. â The San Jose Earthquakes have signed Homegrown defender Tommy Thompson to a new contract for the 2023 season with a club option for 2024. Thompson, San Joseâs first-ever Homegrown signing in 2014, is the teamâs longest tenured player following the retirement of Shea Salinas. He is the only player in club history to play each of his first 10 professional seasons with the Earthquakes.
âTommy is a talented player, a positive influence in our locker room, and a role model for our community,â said Earthquakes General Manager Chris Leitch. âHis longevity with the club is a testament to his hard work and determination, and weâre excited to welcome him back for 2023.â
Thompson, 27, has tallied five goals and 11 assists in 184 regular season appearances (110 starts) for the Earthquakes. His 184 appearances rank fourth in club history behind only Chris Wondolowski (376), Shea Salinas (332), and Ramiro Corrales (250).
Thompson is coming off a 2022 season in which he made 14 starts in 27 regular season appearances and tallied one goal and two assists. Both of Thompsonâs assists came in a 2-1 victory over eventual MLS Cup champions LAFC on Aug. 20.
In addition to his on-field contributions, Thompson is also a two-time recipient of the clubâs Andrew Bedard Spirit of the Game/Humanitarian of the Year Award (2017, 2019).âŻThe award is named for Andrew Bedard, a young Earthquakes fan who passed away at eight years old in 2004. The Andrew Bedard Spirit of the Game Award is presented annually to the Earthquakes player that contributes greatly to the community and best embodies Andrewâs positive attitude both on and off the field. He also earned the teamâs Media Good Guy award, recognizing the player thatâs deemed most open and welcoming to media requests, in 2022.
The Sacramento native previously represented the United States at the U20 level and made five appearances at the 2015 FIFA U20 World Cup.
Transaction: San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) â Earthquakes sign D Tommy Thompson to a new contract for the 2023 season with a club option for 2024.