Toronto FC continued their wheeling and dealing on Tuesday, signing Scottish defender Steven Caldwell (right) to a new deal and picking up midfielder Michael Thomas from Sporting Kansas City in exchange for a second-round 2015 SuperDraft pick.
Caldwell's future was uncertain with his loan from Birmingham City set to expire after making six starts for the Reds, but in the end a deal was struck to keep the center back in Toronto.
“Steven has done a great job in anchoring our defense since arriving on loan, and he's been a terrific influence in the locker room,” said TFC president and general manager Kevin Payne in a statement. “We're very pleased that he'll be with us for this and the next two seasons.”
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“I’m excited to sign for a fantastic club,” Caldwell said. “I hope to help achieve the success that I believe is coming in the not too distant future.”
Thomas. a native of Olathe, Kan., who attended Notre Dame alongside Sporting star Matt Besler, signed with his hometown club in January 2012 after beginning his pro career in the Swedish top flight.
“Michael is a solid player who our coaches have had their eye on for some time,” said TFC president and general manager Kevin Payne in a statement. “He's versatile and athletic and will be an important part of TFC for some years to come.”
The box-to-box center mid appeared in seven league matches last year and played a role in SKC's run to the US Open Cup championship, but found his opportunities limited in 2013. The 25-year-old has not played in an MLS match since last August as his contributions to Sporting this season were restricted to Open Cup minutes.
