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The Pittsburgh Riverhounds have signed midfielder Jack Thompson to a one-year contract with a club option for the 2017 season. Thompson most recently played for the Charlotte Independence in 2015 and competed collegiately at head coach Dave Brandt’s alma mater, Messiah College, from 2011-14.
Last season saw Thompson start in 10 of 19 games played for the Independence. He racked up two goals and an assist including scoring the first goal in franchise history against the Charleston Battery on March 27, 2015.
“Jack is a strong and talented left-sided player, who also knows my system and style of play,” Brandt said. “I’m very excited to be able to coach him. He’s a very good signing for us right now.”
At Messiah, Thompson starred at forward, tallying 35 goals and 50 assists in 89 career games played. He had 10 goals in three out of his four seasons with the Falcons and notched a collegiate career-best 17 assists as a junior in 2013.
A native of Hudson, Ohio, Thompson’s play earned him numerous accolades including Third Team Division III All-American honors as a senior in 2014 and MAC Commonwealth Rookie of the Year honors as a freshman in 2011.
The club expects Thompson to be available for their match against Richmond this weekend and have released forward Ryan Dodson in a corresponding roster move. The Hounds will face the Kickers on Saturday at 5 p.m.
Quick Facts
Playing Experience
Charlotte Independence (2015)
Messiah College (2011-14)
Personal
Hometown: Hudson, Ohio
Accolades
Messiah College
– 2014: Division III Third Team All-American, First Team All-Commonwealth, All Mid-Atlantic Region
– 2013: First Team All-Commonwealth, Second Team NSCAA Mid-Atlantic All-Region, Most Outstanding Offensive Player of NCAA Tournament
– 2012: First Team NSCAA Mid-Atlantic All-Region, First Team All-Commonwealth, NCAA All-Tournament Team
-2011: Third Team NSCAA Mid-Atlantic All-Region, First Team All-Commonwealth, Commonwealth Rookie of the Year