York United FC have announced the re-signing of Canadian defender Roger Thompson.
The team’s longest-serving player has put pen to paper on a one-year deal, plus a club option.
The 31-year-old has been with The Nine Stripes since the very start and made his Canadian Premier League debut in a home clash with Cavalry FC in June 2019. In total, Thompson made 12 appearances in all competitions in his first season while he was an ever-present the following year, as the CPL pivoted to the The Island Games tournament in Charlottetown in the midst of the cancellation of the regular league season.
Thompson played every single minute of the team’s seven group games as they narrowly missed out on qualifying for the latter stage of the competition and was rewarded for the calibre of his performances with a multi-year contract.
Returning in 2021, there was some disruption due to injury but Thompson was still able to lead the side out at BMO Field in the Canadian Championship quarter-final derby clash against local heavyweights Toronto FC and finished with 10 appearances overall.
Under Martin Nash, Thompson enjoyed his most consistent season. There were 15 appearances, and a special moment in the Canadian Championship once again. Away to Pacific FC in the quarter-finals, Thompson powered a downward header to the net following an expert corner delivery from Diyaeddine Abzi: his very first goal for the club.
Other standout moments showcased his passing ability and comfort on the ball.
In the blistering 2-0 home win over Cavalry FC, there was an intelligent delivery to the left wing for Abzi and Osaze De Rosario to combine, with the latter eventually sending an unstoppable long-range shot to the net. And later in the campaign, the home game with Pacific FC had only just begun when Thompson pulled the Tridents defence apart by expertly playing in Isaiah Johnston over the top, with Ronan Kratt scoring from the resultant pass.
In total, Thompson has made 44 appearances for the club, scoring once.
“It’s great to have Rog back with us as he’s an important part of the history of this club,” says Angus McNab, York United FC’s CEO/President and GM. “He cares about football in the GTA and frankly has made it known he wants to win something here as this is his home. I love that it matters so much to him. We do need to work with Rog and find a routine that ensures he’s fit and available for selection as he knows the travel and turf we play on means we need to manage him carefully.”
“We are extremely pleased to have Roger return,” says York United FC Head Coach, Martin Nash. “He is one of the top centre backs in the Canadian Premier League. He’s a big part of our squad for the upcoming season for a few reasons. He’s a leader both on and off the field, and he’s got some excellent qualities as a player. He’s a calm presence, reads the game exceptionally well and possesses a real composure on the ball. His ability to play an intelligent pass from deep is a real bonus and last year we saw on a number of occasions just how much of a potent weapon that is.”