The Kansas City Wizards re-acquired central defender Shavar Thomas Wednesday through a trade with the Philadelphia Union. In exchange for the Jamaican defender, the Wizards sent Philadelphia two second round MLS SuperDraft selections, one in 2011 and one in 2012, as well as allocation money. Thomas has played 151 games for five MLS teams over eight seasons, scoring three goals with one assist. Thomas, 29, played for Kansas City from 2004-2006. He will arrive in Kansas City Wednesday night and will be at training Thursday.
“We really like Shavar’s MLS experience and the strength he brings to our back line,” Wizards Manager Peter Vermes said. “We are always looking to improve our roster, and he adds quality depth to the center of our defense.”
"I had three wonderful years in Kansas City, and I played some of the best soccer of my career there,” Thomas said. “I'm at a place in my career where I can really step up and help the team, and I'm ready to do that. I've played with Jimmy (Conrad), Davy (Arnaud), Jack (Jewsbury) and Josh (Wolff) and have won trophies with those guys, so I am really excited about coming back."
Thomas was drafted 10th overall in the 2003 MLS SuperDraft by FC Dallas (then the Dallas Burn) and played in 15 games (14 starts) as a rookie, scoring one goal. Thomas was then traded to the Wizards along with allocation money for Carey Talley and Eric Quill. Thomas experienced a breakout season in 2004, playing 25 games (22 starts) for the Wizards, who finished the season as the best defensive club in MLS. The Wizards advanced to the MLS Cup final that season and won the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup for the first time in club history.
Thomas remained a starter for the Wizards over the next two seasons. In total, he scored two goals in 6039 minutes over 76 games (70 starts) for Kansas City from 2004-2006. He was then traded to the Los Angeles Galaxy, who dealt him to cross-stadium rivals Chivas USA before he played for Los Angeles. Thomas played 59 regular-season games (58 starts) for Chivas from 2007-2009 along with five playoff games (five starts). Philadelphia selected Thomas in the 2010 Expansion Draft. He played 35 minutes in one game for the Union this season.
Thomas has appeared 27 times for the Jamaica National Team. He served as captain for the team’s 2004 Olympic squad (U-23) and was a member of the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup team. Thomas played the final group stage match in the Gold Cup, the only game that Jamaica won.
During his previous stint with Kansas City, Thomas was teammates with current Wizards Davy Arnaud, Jimmy Conrad, Jack Jewsbury and Josh Wolff. Assistant Coach Kerry Zavagnin was also a member of the team while Thomas played for the Wizards from 2004-2006. A corresponding move to clear space on Kansas City’s roster for Thomas will be announced in the coming days.
Transaction: Kansas City Wizards (MLS) acquire defender Shavar Thomas from Philadelphia in exchange for 2011 second round MLS SuperDraft pick, 2012 second round MLS SuperDraft pick and allocation money.
Vitals:
Shavar Thomas
Defender
Height: 6-1
Weight: 165
Born: January 29, 1981
Hometown: Hannah Town, Jamaica
Citizenship: Jamaica
Last Club: Philadelphia Union (MLS)
