COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Columbus Crew announced today that the club has signed midfielder Jacob Thomas. Per league and team policies, contract terms are not disclosed. Thomas has been training with The Crew since Monday, March 27.
Thomas, a Jonestown, Texas native, has played portions of the past eight seasons in Germany, most recently with VfB Lubeck in the German Third Division. Prior to his two-year stint with Lubeck, Thomas spent parts of six seasons with Eintracht Braunschweig in the German Second and Third Divisions.
"It is a good opportunity for me," said Thomas. "It's always been a goal for me to come back to the states to finish my career. The Crew has always been viewed as a top organization and I am excited to be playing in Columbus. I am looking forward to having a positive season and helping the team as much as possible."
Thomas played one year at St. Louis University (1995) before joining the Austin Lone Stars of the USISL for the 1996 season. He was out of soccer for almost two years (1997-1998) before heading to Germany and joining Eintracht in October of 1998.
"I am looking forward to working with Jacob Thomas," said Crew Head Coach Sigi Schmid. "He is a very versatile player with a lot of experience. He adds some much needed maturity and speed to the team."
He tallied 26 goals and played in more than 143 matches while in Germany.
"Anytime we can bring a domestic player back to MLS and he brings international experience with him it is a positive for our club," said Crew General Manager Mark McCullers.
