Where Are They Now: Joseph Greenspan

At 6’ 6” Joseph Greenspan seemed like the ultimate trade for Minnesota United—a large, young center back with prior experience in the MLS. However, in his spell with the team, three separate injuries, all involving his head and concussions, plagued Greenspan into sitting the bench more than the Loons may have liked.

What Did He Do?

Greenspan was traded to the Loons via the Colorado Rapids the December before the inaugural season began for Minnesota’s 2017 third round SuperDraft pick. He suffered his first injury in the first week of training: a broken nose and a concussion. After three weeks of recovery and a loan to Pittsburgh Riverhounds FC (playing in eight games and earning USL Team of the Week twice), Greenspan returned for the Loons and got his first appearance for the team. He left this game in the second half with another concussion and another three-week rest. The third concussion came within five months of the first—three separate head injuries in a half of a season.

In his Minnesota career, Greenspan started in three of his four appearances, playing a total of 235 minutes. He received a two yellow cards and a subsequent red card October 7, 2017 against Sporting KC in the 90th minute in a 1-1 game with seven minutes of extra time, but the Loons were able to finish the game with a point for a tie.

How Did He Leave?

Greenspan was not re-signed at the end of the 2017 season and subsequently released by the team. He signed a deal with Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, the team he had been loaned to, on January 12, 2018.

Where Is He Now?

Greenspan and Pittsburgh Riverhounds FC currently sit in second place in the USL Eastern Conference standings at 12-3-8. Out of 23 total games, Greenspan has 13 appearances and 11 starts at the back. He currently leads his team in clearances (77) and blocks (9). He has missed several weeks in 2018 with injury, but luckily, no reports of any head injuries or concussions have been reported.