In his first three MLS seasons, FC Dallas forward Abe Thompson has been the Hoops' soccer equivalent of a pinch hitter who always comes through in the clutch. Thompson, who is approaching his fourth season in MLS after being taken in the 2005 supplemental draft, has yet to play every game in a season but has produced when his number was called.
The 2008 season looks to be a crucial one for Thompson as this is the last year of his contract. And the University of Maryland product has every intention of staying in Hoops beyond this campaign.
"If I have a big year, hopefully, I can sign another contract to stay in Dallas," Thompson said. "That would be great because I've got a life here now, lots of friends, am comfortable with the team and know everybody. A good year will help myself, but will also help the team."
In 2007, Thompson had five goals and four assists for FCD. He played in a career-high 24 matches, including 15 starts, another career best and was one of three Hoops to score in MLS, SuperLiga and U.S. Open Cup play. Thompson set another career record with 1,227 minutes played but despite a solid campaign, he still expects more from himself.
"I had a good year last year for the amount of time that I saw," he said. "Obviously, I would have liked to have played more but when I was given my chances, I took them well. I have a reputation for doing that and look to continue doing that so that I can earn more and more playing time this year and in years down the road as well."
Thompson's chances for more playing time improved when last week, FCD traded away last year's captain Carlos Ruiz to the L.A. Galaxy.
"I'm excited because it frees up a spot up top for myself, Dom (Oduro), Ricardino and Kenny (Cooper) to all compete for," he said. "If Carlos (Ruiz) wasn't happy here, then it's a good move for him and a good move for us. We just have to look to fill his role."
He and defender Aaron Pitchkolan, who was also taken in the '05 supplemental draft, are the only players from that group to see first-team action and Thompson takes a great deal of pride in being drafted then and sticking around with the Hoops ever since.
"I think about it from time to time. I was disappointed that I didn't go in the SuperDraft and felt a little insulted to be honest. But that's fuel for the fire and I know that as long as I work hard, I'll get my chance," Thompson admitted. "There is obviously talent to be had in the supplemental draft and Pitch and I are proof of that. It just goes to show that it's not where you're taken if you can get on a team, work hard and stick. It's worked out well and I'm happy here."
Considering that he and Pitchkolan have shared such similar experiences in MLS, it's no surprise that the two three-year veterans have become close friends and roommates.
"Our experiences were actually very similar, so that's something we have in common," Thompson said. "That's definitely helped our friendship, sharing the disappointment of not going in the SuperDraft and waiting those few extra days for the supplemental draft to see if you get taken there."
Thompson looks back to the kind of player he was as a rookie three years ago and notices one pretty major change between then and now.
"I think that I'm more confident," he said. "Going into Dallas right after I got drafted, I was unsure about whether or not I would make the team and that's always a tough situation to go into. Now, I have found a little niche here and am comfortable and more confident. I've adjusted to the league now and hopefully will have a big year here in the last year of my contract. It's an important year for me and I need to work hard."
Still, while Thompson is pleased with his ongoing development as a player, he knows that there is still plenty that he can improve on up top.
"I figure that I can be more dangerous in and around the box," he admitted. "As far as creating my own chances and giving other people chances, that's something that I can work on and something Steve (Morrow) and I talked about in our meetings at the end of last season. I need to work on creating more chances and getting more shots off."
Steve Hunt is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
