Sporting Kansas City announced Tuesday that the club has acquired the right of first refusal for midfielder Michael Thomas from the San Jose Earthquakes in exchange for the club’s natural fourth round pick (73rd overall) in today’s Supplemental Draft.
Thomas, an Olathe, Kan. Native who attended St. Thomas Aquinas High School, was drafted by the Earthquakes with the 19th overall selection in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft out of the University of Notre Dame, but opted to sign with Halmstads BK in Sweden.
In accordance with MLS Roster Rules and Regulations, San Jose retained the right of first refusal within Major League Soccer for Thomas. The right of first refusal grants an MLS club the first opportunity to add a player to its roster in the event that the player signs with Major League Soccer. Holding a right of first refusal applies only within MLS and does not indicate holding of the player’s International Transfer Certificate.
The 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft will take place at 1:00 p.m. CT today via conference call. Sporting Kansas City holds the 16th (first round), 35th (second round), 43rd (third round, acquired from Chivas USA) and 54th (third round) overall selections in the four-round selection process for draft-eligible players.
Follow the Supplemental Draft on MLSSoccer.com with the draft tracker and live chat.
