TFC's Kosi Thompson keeping his head up in rookie MLS season

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.