Hartford Add Depth Between Sticks With Addition of Philadelphia Union II Goalkeeper
Hartford Add Depth Between Sticks With Addition of Philadelphia Union II Goalkeeper
Brooks Thompson has signed with Green and Blue following a title-winning loan spell at USL League One side North Carolina FC.
As Hartford Athletic’s 2024 roster nears completion with preseason just four days away, the Green and Blue announced the addition of former Philadelphia Union II goalkeeper Brooks Thompson.
With the big-name signing of former Sporting CP goalkeeper Renan Ribeiro taking the spotlight early in the offseason, it’s safe to say the addition of Thompson is one that will satisfy the backup role and add necessary depth to the keeper room with the recent departure of Joe Rice.
Most recently with North Carolina FC in their 2023 title-winning season, Thompson has appeared 43 teams for three clubs across USL League One and MLS Next Pro in his young career. His most recent campaign saw him make five starts as Philadelphia Union II’s second-choice keeper in the beginning of 2023 before a mid-season loan to North Carolina saw him assume the starting role for the final 17 games of the season, including a pair of USL League One playoff starts en route to an eventual championship.
He kept four of his six career clean sheets in that time, conceding 21 goals. Of his 54 saves on the year, perhaps the most notable of his career was a diving save to deny a crucial spot kick in the shootout that clinched NCFC the 2023 League One final.
His professional career began in 2019 with Swope Park Rangers, the then-USL Championship affiliate of Major League Soccer side Sporting Kansas City. He spent three total seasons with the club, making only a handful of appearances each year (12 total) and keeping one clean sheet before making the move to Philadelphia in 2022.
With players due to report to preseason training on Monday, here’s how the roster looks less than one week out:
Goalkeepers: Renan Ribeiro, Brooks Thompson
Defenders: Thomas Vancaeyezeele, Joe Farrell, Rece Buckmaster, Jordan Scarlett
Midfielders: Danny Barrera (returning), Beverly Makangila (returning), Jay Chapman, Emmanuel Samadia, Joe Schmidt, Anderson Asiedu
Forwards: Marcus Epps, Enoch Mushagalusa, Deshane Beckford, Romario Williams