The Seattle Sounders solved an immediate and future issue when they announced the signing of backup goalkeeper Andrew Thomas to a three-year contract through the 2027 season. Keeping Thomas has shown that he is more than an adequate backup for Stefan Frei. Thomas has appeared in five MLS games this season with four starts and one substitution appearance.
Thomas joined the Rave Green in 2021 following a collegiate career at Stanford, Thomas has made nearly 50 professional appearances across all competitions
“We are pleased to sign Andrew to a new contract and ensure he stays with Sounders FC for the foreseeable future,” said General Manager & Chief Soccer Officer Craig Waibel. “Andrew has impressed in his time with the club thus far and we look forward to continuing his development.”
Thomas, 25, was originally selected off waivers in 2021 following the conclusion of the NCAA Men’s soccer season. The Stanford alum has made 49 professional appearances across all competitions in his career, including 35 for Tacoma Defiance, Sounders FC’s MLS NEXT Pro affiliate. He led Defiance goalkeepers with 15 MLSNP appearances in last season before being loaned to New Mexico United, appearing in nine matches to close the 2023 USL Championship campaign. Serving as Stefan Frei’s primary backup this season, Thomas made his MLS debut in Seattle’s season opener against LAFC on February 24 and has gone on to make five appearances for the club in 2024.
“Andrew is a talented young goalkeeper who has performed well in his chances with the First Team this season,” said Sounders FC Head Coach Brian Schmetzer. “I’m pleased that he will remain with the club and continue working with Tom Dutra, whose track record speaks for itself when it comes to developing prolific goalkeepers.”
Prior to joining the Rave Green, Thomas was a three-time All-Pac-12 First Team selection at Stanford University. Thomas won his third Pac-12 Championship with the Cardinal in the spring of 2021, leading the conference with a 0.69 goals against average and recording four shutouts. The Moscow-born, Watford FC Academy product tallied 55 appearances over three seasons in Palo Alto, compiling a 34-10-11 record with 23 shutouts. Thomas has also spent time with the U.S. U-23 Men’s National Team.
“Andrew has developed and continues to improve and learn every day in training,” said Club Director of Goalkeeping Tom Dutra. “I feel very lucky to be able to work with three very good goalkeepers and I’m happy we will have Andrew for the future.”
- Mariners record impressive 4-3 comeback win in Baltimore
- Three questions heading into the Sounders vs Whitecaps clash
- A Depleted Sounders FC squad outclassed in 2-0 loss to Real Salt Lake
- Dismal shooting and lack of aggression dooms Storm in 83 to 70 opening night loss to the Lynx
- Seattle Reign Lose 4-0 to Cascadia Rival
Following a scoreless draw with the LA Galaxy on Sunday, Sounders FC (2-5-4, 10 points) begins its 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup run on Wednesday, May 8 with a Round of 32 matchup against USL Championship side Louisville City FC at Starfire Stadium (7:30 p.m. PT / USOpenCup.com, 950 KJR AM). Brian Schmetzer’s side then travels south to face archrival Portland Timbers on Sunday, May 12 at Providence Park (1:30 p.m. PT / Apple TV, FOX, 93.3 KJR FM, El Rey 1360 AM).
