San Jose Earthquakes sign Tommy Thompson to contract extension

Tommy Thompson has become an ace utilityman for the San Jose Earthquakes, and he’s not going anywhere, as the club announced Wednesday the player has signed a new multi-year contract heading into the 2021 season.

“Over many years, Tommy has proven to be a great player and ambassador for the club,” said Earthquakes general manager Jesse Fioranelli in a team statement. “In addition to being a valuable contributor for our first team, he has also gone to great lengths to serve as a strong role model for youth players all around the Bay Area in this difficult time. We’re very happy to have him continue with us beyond 2020.”

The 25-year-old has played seven seasons in MLS with the Earthquakes, making 143 regular-season appearances, 84 starts, scoring four goals and nine assists. In addition, Thompson has played two MLS Cup Playoffs games, including a stint off the bench in this season’s playoff game.

The first-ever Homegrown player for the Quakes, Thompson has gone from an incredibly technical winger who maybe doesn’t have the final product to a versatile player who now mainly plays as a fullback but can also play higher up the field, even in the middle, in a pinch.

All in all, this seems like a good move for all parties. TomThom is a player beloved locally, and his value is probably highest here, too. He’s at a good age. And players who can play nearly every position and are equally useful as starters and bench players are hard to find. Hopefully Thompson can help push San Jose onto greater things moving forward.

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