Defender was the second Service Academy player ever drafted in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft
San Diego CA— San Diego Loyal Soccer Club (SD Loyal) announced today the signing of Defender Joseph (Joe) Greenspan, pending league and federation approval. Greenspan will join the Club for its inaugural USL Championship season in 2020 and its first regular season home match is scheduled to take place in early March 2020 at Torero Stadium.
“When you have the opportunity to sign the best defender in the league, you don’t let that pass you by,” said Landon Donovan, EVP of Soccer Operations and First Team Manager. “Joe is an exceptional soccer player, and he has the utmost character. His work ethic, leadership on the field, and service-minded approach to playing will make him an extremely valuable member of this organization.”
Greenspan, 2019 USL Championship Defender of the Year, was selected in the second round – 26th overall – of the 2015 MLS SuperDraft to the Colorado Rapids and was the second-ever Service Academy member drafted in U.S. soccer history. He served a year of active duty before the U.S. Navy transferred him to the Navy Reserve, allowing him to pursue a career in soccer. In 2016, he was traded to the MLS expansion club, Minnesota United FC and then signed to USL-side Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC in 2018. Greenspan was born and raised in New Jersey and spent his entire college career in the United States Naval Academy, playing for Navy Midshipmen men’s soccer and earning All-American honors in both his junior and senior year.
“Service and soccer are so intertwined for me because both teach you that it’s about something bigger than you,” said Defender Joe Greenspan. “Sports can sometimes be an individual endeavor, but at this point in my career, I’m most looking forward to being part of building and growing a team for the fans. With the people involved and the players signed so far, I know we’ll make San Diego proud.”
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