Jason Thompson (soccer)

Jason Thompson (born November 22, 1981 in Garland, Texas) is an American soccer player who last played striker for D.C. United of Major League Soccer.

Thompson played college soccer at Eastern Illinois University from 2000 to 2002. Thompson made a very strong start in his freshman year, surprising everybody by scoring 21 goals to lead the NCAA, and was named the Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Year and chosen for Soccer America's All-Freshman team. Thompson's next year was not quite so impressive, however, as he scored only five goals. Thompson did significantly better in 2002, however, finishing the year with 14 goals and four assists, earning him a first-team All-Midwest selection. Because of his performances for the Under-23 national team, Thompson was offered a Project-40 contract after his junior season, which he accepted.

Thompson was selected 15th overall in the 2003 MLS SuperDraft by his hometown Dallas Burn. Unfortunately, Thompson tore his ACL during the preseason while playing with the U-23 team, and missed all of the 2003 season. On returning in 2004, Thompson had trouble breaking into new coach Colin Clarke's veteran-dominated lineup, and after making one appearance, was traded to D.C. United. Competition among forwards was equally strong at D.C., however, and although Thompson plays a target forward role unlike United's other strikers, he only made one appearance for the team, coming on as a substitute and playing 60 minutes.