CARSON, CA - Los Angeles Galaxy defender Scot Thompson has been loaned to the Portland Timbers of the A-League, it was announced today by Galaxy President and General Manager Doug Hamilton. The loan will take immediate effect and continue through the remainder of the 2004 A-League season.
"Scot is a solid young player with a bright future ahead of him," said Hamilton. "This loan will give him the opportunity to get what he needs most - games - and then re-join our club for the most crucial part of our season - the drive to the MLS Cup Playoffs."
Thompson, a developmental player from Rancho Santa Margarita, California, recently made his first appearance of 2004 with the Galaxy - who presently sit atop MLS' overall standings on 27 points. The 23-year-old defender entered the field in the final minute of the second half during a 3-2 win against the Chicago Fire on Saturday, June 12 at The Home Depot Center, replacing current MLS assists leader Chris Albright.
"We are very happy that we have been able to work out a loan with Portland for Scot. It is very important for him to get game time since he has not been able to do that here," said Galaxy Head Coach Sigi Schmid. "We still have high hopes for his future and we think this experience will prepare him for our stretch run."
The Galaxy signed Thompson after they drafted him out of UCLA in the second round of the 2003 MLS SuperDraft (16th overall). However, the 6-0, 180-pound defender tore the Anterior Cruciate Ligament in his left knee during the 2003 preseason and did not see any action in what would have been his rookie season.
After rehabilitating his knee injury fully by the end of the 2003 MLS Regular Season, Thompson was called in to a training camp with the U.S. Under-23 national team in late December 2003 and early January 2004 at The Home Depot Center as they prepared for the final round of CONCACAF qualifying to the Olympic Football Tournament Athens 2004.
The Los Angeles Galaxy will conclude their two-game homestand against a Western Conference rival, the Colorado Rapids on Saturday at 7 p.m. in Korean Heritage Night, presented by Korean Air, at The Home Depot Center. In addition to Korean Heritage Night festivities, the first 10,000 fans through the gates on Saturday night will receive a shoe bag, courtesy of Wells Fargo. For more information or to purchase tickets to the match, call the Galaxy toll-free at 1-877-3GALAXY.
TRANSACTION: Los Angeles Galaxy (Major League Soccer) loan defender Scot Thompson to Portland Timbers (A-League).
