TFC's Kosi Thompson keeping his head up in rookie MLS season
In a 1-on-1 interview, Thompson discusses his first MLS campaign, what it's like playing under Bob Bradley, and much more.
![TFC's Kosi Thompson keeping his head up in rookie MLS season](/content/images/size/w1200/2022/08/FZQV-FgWIAEgy8s-1-.jpg)
Would it surprise you to learn that Kosi Thompson ranks fifth on Toronto FC in minutes played in MLS in 2022?
In his rookie season, the 19-year-old Toronto native has appeared in 20 of the Reds' 23 league games (17 as a starter), and has logged 1,457 minutes. Only Michael Bradley (2,060), Jesús Jiménez (1,881), Luca Petrasso (1,605) and Alex Bono (1,530) have featured more for Toronto.
Naturally a winger, Thompson has played most of this campaign at right fullback, helping fill in at a spot where the Reds have lacked options and depth.
Thompson’s ascent up the ranks of the youth academy, through to TFC 2 and into the senior team is an amazing story, and a testament to the old adage that hard work and dedication pays off in the end. Thompson was invited to train with TFC during pre-season, and coach Bob Bradley was so impressed that he signed the youngster to a senior-team deal on Feb. 25. In doing so, Thompson became the 29th player in club history to graduate to the first team from the youth academy.
In a one-on-one interview with TFC Republic, Thompson discusses his first MLS season, what it's like playing under Bob Bradley, making the transition from TFC 2 to the senior team, and much more.
This Q&A has been lightly edited and trimmed for brevity and clarity.