Former UT Star Earns Tryout With Elite Irish Team

Over 4,000 miles from his hometown of Kingston, Jamaica, former University of Tampa goalkeeper Ryan Thompson is in the middle of the biggest tryout of his playing career in faraway Dublin, Ireland.

After a summer with the Portland Phoenix of the Premier Development League (PDL), Thompson has earned a two-week trial with the Shamrock Rovers, the top team in the League of Ireland's Premier Division.

It was Thompson's performance with Phoenix that earned him a shot at the professional ranks. In 13 games for Portland, the 6'1" Spartan alum compiled seven shutouts. It was his coach with Portland that recommended Thompson to the Rovers, who in turn offered him a trial.

Thompson, who stated that his goal was always to get to Europe, refuses to take his opportunity for granted. "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity," Thompson said. "It was a blessing in disguise that it didn't work out with (Major League Soccer)."

"The Irish League is good for young players as it's a different style of game." Thompson credits his ability to adapt to his time at UT.

Conforming to a different environment was made easier, seeing as though he had to make a transition from Jamaica to Tampa when he enrolled in 2006. The shift to Europe, he said, will be simpler due in part to the fact that he played against several European players while with the Spartans.

Thompson graduated from Tampa in 2010 with a degree in marketing and a 3.25 grade point average. He was twice named Sunshine State Conference Defender of the Year. In 57 games for the Spartans, Thompson compiled a career 39-13-3 record with 14 shutouts over four seasons.