Less than a week ago, Major League Soccer put its teams back on the pitch, beating Major League Baseball and the National Basketball Association to the task. While soccer does entail physical contact, it’s not to the same level as football, allowing for a more seamless reestablishment. The “MLS is Back Tournament," spanning from July 8 to Aug. 11, is underway.
There have been complications and two MLS teams have already dropped out of competition. FC Dallas was the first club to make an exit due to positive tests. Three days later, Nashville FC followed suit.
The withdrawal of Nashville FC means that the anticipated debut of former IU men's soccer defender Jack Maher will be put on hold.
Maher was taken as the No. 2 pick in the 2020 SuperDraft after spending two seasons at IU. As a freshman, Maher was selected as the Big Ten Freshman of the Year while picking up All-Freshman team honors. Last year, Maher earned Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.
While Maher will have to wait to record his first minutes in the MLS, other former Hoosiers are back in action.
Mason Toye, Minnesota United FC
In his only year at IU, Toye led the conference in goals with 10, five of which came as game-winners. He went on to take Big Ten Freshman of the Year and first team All-Big Ten recognition before being selected as the No. 7 pick in the 2018 draft.
After scoring six goals and adding three assists last year, Toye is in his third season with Minnesota United FC. So far, Toye has started one match this season, totaling 59 minutes played.
Justin Rennicks, New England Revolution
As a sophomore for the Hoosiers in 2018, Rennicks was named to the All-Big Ten second team and College Cup All-Tournament team. Rennicks was signed to a homegrown contract in 2019 and appeared in two matches in his first season.
This year, Rennicks has spent 11 minutes on the pitch, rattling off one shot.
Lee Nguyen, Inter Miami CF
In his lone season for the Hoosiers in 2005, Nguyen scored five goals and dished out 12 assists on his way to Big Ten Freshman of the Year.
In 2012, Nguyen made his MLS debut for the New England Revolution. After a long career, Nguyen is in his first season with Inter Miami CF and has spent 33 minutes on the field, putting one shot on goal.
Tommy Thompson, San Jose Earthquakes
In 2013, Thompson was yet another Hoosier to receive Big Ten Freshman of the Year in his lone collegiate season.
Thompson has netted three goals in six years with the Earthquakes. This season, he has started three games and logged 217 minutes on the pitch.
Drew Moor, Colorado Rapids
The defender helped the Hoosiers capture back-to-back national championship in 2003 and 2004, while being named a first team All-American by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.
After a lengthy career in the MLS, Moor has put in one goal in three games this season for the Rapids, while exceeding 250 minutes played.
Aiden Morris, Columbus Crew SC
In 2019, his only season at IU, Morris led the Hoosiers with eight assists, while being touted as Top Drawer Soccer’s highest-ranked freshman in the country.
Morris signed a contract with the Columbus Crew following last season and has earned 14 minutes of playing time so far this year.
