Heading into the 2017 season, Jay Simpson was seen as a guy who would provide offense for the Union. However, as the season progressed, Simpson had to fight for minutes, mostly due to the impressive season of CJ Sapong.
Simpson signed with the Union on January 9 after more than 10 years playing in England. He was immediately plugged in as the Union's starting striker, and played as such when the season started.
Simpson started the Union's first two matches against Vancouver and Toronto, scoring the Union's first goal in 2017 and his first career MLS goal against the Reds.