With the 1st pick of the Fourth Round, Minnesota United Chooses Midfield Depth

The second phase of the MLS Superdraft started today with the third and fourth rounds. Minnesota United did not have a third round pick, as they traded it for Joe Greenspan earlier this offseason. But, the Loons held the first pick of the fourth round and used that pick on midfield depth.

Interestingly, this was a pick that I thought could have happened in the second round as well. I did not think it would be a reach to take the kid out of Indiana University as high as the 25th pick (which, was traded). Thompson was named the Big Ten Midfielder of the Year in 2015 and was a first team All-American (by both the NSCAA and College Soccer News) and third team Best XI according to Top Drawer Soccer in 2016.
You can see all of his accolades on IU Athletic’s website here.

Soccer runs in Thompson’s family. His older brother, Tommy, played at Indiana for one year before signing a Homegrown Player Contract with the San Jose Earthquakes. He was loaned out to Sacramento Republic FC for one year, but has made 47 appearances for them since signing the pro contract.

IUHoosiers.com

Tanner and Tommy also have a bit of a Minnesota connection. If the last name sounds familiar to you Minnesota soccer fans, it is probably because their father is Gregg Thompson. The Elder Thompson is also an Indiana University boy (winning the first national title for Hoosier soccer), and he is a graduate of Stillwater High School. Thompson then went on to become a bit of legend for fans in this state. He was a star for the Minnesota Strikers appearing 187 times for the MISL squad.

Welcome to Minnesota, Tanner. And, welcome back to Minnesota, Thompson family!