SEATTLE, WASH. – Sounders today announced that it has loaned goalkeeper Andrew Thomas to New Mexico United for the remainder of its 2023 USL Championship season. Thomas, a Stanford University product who was selected off waivers by Seattle in 2021, has 15 MLS NEXT Pro appearances for Tacoma Defiance this season, recording three shutouts and a 1.27 goals against average.
“We see this as a great opportunity for Andrew to get more meaningful minutes with a good club in an alternative environment,” said Sounders FC General Manager & Chief Soccer Officer Craig Waibel. “He has performed well for Defiance, and we’re excited to see him contribute during the homestretch of New Mexico’s season before bringing him back to Seattle.”
Since joining the organization in May of 2021, Thomas has 34 career appearances for Tacoma Defiance, including 27 in MLS NEXT Pro over the past two seasons, tallying six shutouts. The Moscow-born, Watford FC Academy product won three Pac-12 Championships in three seasons with the Cardinal from 2018-2021, tallying 55 appearances with a 34-10-11 record and 23 shutouts.
“Andrew has shown promise and improved steadily over the past few years working with Tom Dutra and the rest of our goalkeeping group,” said Sounders FC Head Coach Brian Schmetzer. “He is a talented young player and we think this move will be beneficial to his longterm development.”
After earning a point in a 2-1 win over Austin FC at Q2 Stadium on Wednesday, Sounders FC returns home for a matchup against archrival Portland Timbers on Saturday, September 2 (7:30 p.m. PT / Apple TV, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM).
TRANSACTION: Sounders FC loans goalkeeper Andrew Thomas to New Mexico United though the end of its 2023 USL Championship campaign on September 1, 2023.
