Thomas Presthus (born April 5, 1975 in Edina, Minnesota) is an American former soccer goalkeeper. He spent seven seasons in Major League Soccer and earned one cap with the U.S. national team in 1999.

Tom Presthus
Personal information
Full name Thomas Presthus
Date of birth (1975-04-05) April 5, 1975 (age 49)
Place of birth Edina, Minnesota, United States
Height 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Position(s) Goalkeeper
Youth career
1993–1996 Southern Methodist University
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1994 Minnesota Thunder
1997–2000 D.C. United 59 (0)
1998MLS Pro 40 (loan) 4 (0)
2000–2003 Columbus Crew 47 (0)
International career
1999 United States 1 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Youth edit

Presthus grew up in Minnesota playing football and hockey. When he was twelve, he broke his neck. As a result, he began playing soccer and basketball.[1] He graduated from Edina High School. Presthus attended Southern Methodist University, playing on the men's soccer team from 1993 to 1996. He completed his bachelor's degree in finance in 1997. In May 1994, he signed with the Minnesota Thunder of USISL.[2]

Professional edit

In February 1997, D.C. United selected Presthus in the second round (20th overall) of the 1997 MLS College Draft. Presthus spent most of the 1997 as a backup to Scott Garlick. However, by the end of the 1998 season, Prestus had begun to emerge as United's top goalkeeper and the team traded Garlick during the off-season.

On February 5, 2001, United traded Presthus and a tenth round 2001 MLS SuperDraft pick to the Columbus Crew for third round pick in the 2001 MLS SuperDraft. Presthus became the Crew's starting goalkeeper, but on July 23, 2003 he tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow during a game. He underwent surgery on September 30, 2003, but the rehabilitation went much slower than he expected. As a result, he announced his retirement on January 14, 2004.[3]

National team edit

Presthus earned his lone cap with the U.S. national team in a 2-1 win over Chile on February 21, 1999. He replaced Zach Thornton at halftime with the score 0-0.[4]

Post soccer career edit

After retiring from playing, Presthus became a financial planner with The Financial Solutions Network. He is now a Vice President with American Electric Power.

Honors edit

Individual

References edit

  1. ^ Crew Goalie Presthus Joins The Financial Solutions Network in Dublin
  2. ^ MILLERS NAME EX-RED SOX STAR SCOTT AS FIRST MANAGER St. Paul Pioneer Press (MN) - Wednesday, May 18, 1994
  3. ^ "Two-time MLS champ Presthus retires with elbow injury". USA Today. Associated Press. January 14, 2004. Archived from the original on July 8, 2004. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
  4. ^ Courtney, Barrie (June 19, 2003). "USA - Details of International Matches 1995-1999". RSSSF. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
  5. ^ "1999 MLS All-Star Game". MLSsoccer.com. July 17, 1999. Retrieved July 27, 2023.

External links edit