CARSON, Calif. - Chivas USA today announced the acquisition of defender Shavar Thomas in a trade with the Los Angeles Galaxy. In exchange, Chivas USA sent its natural second-round pick in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft to Los Angeles. Thomas, 26, a member of the Jamaican National Team, becomes Chivas USA's third Senior International player, alongside Mexican players Claudio Suárez and Jorge Barrera.
"Shavar Thomas is an experienced central defender who has performed both in MLS and on the international level," said Chivas USA Head Coach Preki. "We look forward to his contributions to Chivas USA as he competes for a spot on our back line."
In related news, Chivas USA also announced Friday that midfielder Amado Guevara has been removed from the club's 18-man Senior Roster. However, Chivas USA continues to retain the player's rights.
Born on January 29 in Hannah Town, Jamaica, Shavar Thomas is a veteran of four MLS seasons and a member of the Jamaican National Team. Since joining the Dallas Burn as a first-round pick (10th overall) in the 2003 MLS SuperDraft, the University of Connecticut product has played 91 MLS regular-season games (starting 84), logging 7,291 minutes and registering 3 goals and 1 assist.
During his four seasons in MLS, Thomas played for Dallas (2003) and Kansas City (2004-2006). He was acquired by Los Angeles on March 23, 2007 but did not play in an official regular-season match for the Galaxy.
Prior to joining MLS, Thomas played two years at the University of Connecticut, helping the Huskies compile a 32-11-2 record, while appearing in 36 games during his two years with the team. As a sophomore in 2002, Thomas was named to the All-Big East and NSCAA All-New England First Team and was a second team All-American.
On the international level, Thomas made his debut with the Jamaican National Team in 1999, and has since logged 12 international appearances, including in World Cup qualifying. He has also represented Jamaica at a number of youth levels, including with the Under-20's at the 2001 FIFA World Youth Championship in Argentina.
Thomas has been training with Chivas USA since May 3 and is eligible to play in Chivas USA's game Saturday at the Columbus Crew at 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT (Pregame shows at 4:00 p.m. PT on FSN Prime Ticket and KTNQ 1020 AM Univision Radio).
TRANSACTION: Chivas USA acquires defender Shavar Thomas from the Los Angeles Galaxy, in exchange for Chivas USA's natural second-round pick in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft.
SHAVAR THOMAS
Name: Shavar Thomas
Number: 4
Position: Defender
Date of birth: 1981-01-29, Hannah Town, Jamaica
Hometown: Kingston, Jamaica
Citizenship: Jamaica
University: Connecticut
Weight: 88 kg / 195 lbs
Height: 1.85 m / 6'1"
Last team: Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS)
Acquired: Trade with Los Angeles Galaxy, May 3, 2007, in exchange for Chivas USA's natural second-round 2009 MLS SuperDraft pick
