Jerome Thiesson

ACQUIRED: Signed with Minnesota United on 2.21.2017

Thiesson spent six seasons with FC Luzern in the Swiss Super League, where he started 204 of 222 matches in league play — scoring two goals and adding one more in 10 cup games with the club — before joining MNUFC in February 2017.

The defender arrived at FC Luzern after spending four years with AC Bellinzona, a lower-division Swiss Super League club from the country’s Italian-speaking region. One of the main qualities Minnesota United prized in going after Thiesson was his ability to play either right or left back.

Sure enough, Thiesson played a pivotal role for the Loons in 2017, scoring twice and assisting on three more in 33 MLS games played (33 starts). He led all MNUFC players in appearances, consecutive appearances (34 matches for both) and minutes played (2,970 across MLS and U.S. Open Cup competition) and earned a spot on the Team of the Week in Week 21 for his contributions to the Loons' fifth clean sheet and attack. His goals came in the 2-2 draw with Vancouver Whitecaps FC, where he struck the equalizer, and the 3-2 defeat in the final game of the season at San Jose Earthquakes, where he scored a gorgeous effort from distance in the 36th minute.

2018: Made first start and earned first assist of the season on March 3 at SJ

2017: Made MLS debut as a starter on March 12 vs ATL ... Recorded first MLS assist on March 18 at COL ... Scored first MLS goal on June 24 vs VAN ... Named to MLS Team of the Week for Week 21 ... Provided second assist of the season on August 26 at CHI ... Provided third assist of the year on October 3 at ATL ... Scored second goal of the season on October 22 at SJ