Gregg Thompson
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | August 4, 1960 | ||
| Place of birth | San Jose, California, United States | ||
| Playing position | Defender | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 1978, 1980–1982 | Indiana | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1983–1984 | Tampa Bay Rowdies | 47 | (0) |
| 1984–1988 | Minnesota Strikers (indoor) | 187 | (29) |
| National team | |||
| 1984–1985 | United States | 12 | (1) |
| * Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. |
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Gregg Thompson (born August 4, 1960) is a retired U.S. soccer defender who was the 1983 North American Soccer League Rookie of the Year. He was also voted team MVP (by his teammates) and the most Popular Player (by the fans) during his rookie year while playing for the Tampa Bay Rowdies. He spent two seasons in the NASL and four in the Major Indoor Soccer League. He was a member of the U.S. National Team from 1984–86 and participated in the 1984 Summer Olympics. Thompson earned twelve caps with the U.S. National Team
Thompson spent his early youth in California before moving to Stillwater, Minnesota when he was fourteen. He became a star athlete at Stillwater High School. His high school did not have a soccer team when he moved to Minnesota, so Thompson played football and ran track while playing soccer with local youth clubs. He was an outstanding running back, averaging 8.9 yards per carry over his high school career while breaking over 40 football records at Stillwater High School. Thompson was fast running the 40 yard dash in 4.4 seconds and strong benching over 350 lbs. (he weighed 165 pounds) He earned All State honors and received football athletic scholarship offers from the University of Colorado, University of Minnesota, the University of Wisconsin–Madison, numerous Division II schools and all of the Ivy League programs.
His biggest claim to fame was his accomplishments during the state semi-final game against Columbia Heights. There was 30 seconds remaining on the clock, Stillwater was losing the game 14-13 and the ball was 37 yards away from the goalpost. Stillwater decided to attempt a field goal. Thompson was the field goal kicker as well. Thompson was successful in making the 37 yard field goal but there was a penalty on the play. The refs moved the ball back 5 yards. Thompson was again successful in kicking a 42 yard field goal to win the game. It was later found out that Thompson completely tore his ACL and meniscus on the fifth play of the game; nevertheless, his final game stats included throwing a touchdown pass, rushing for 125 yards and kicking the game winning field goal.
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