Shavar Thomas

Amateur and college

Thomas played as a youth for Hazard United in Jamaica and at The Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, Connecticut. He played college soccer at the University of Connecticut. He played two seasons, 2001 and 2002, and was named an NSCAA second team All-American his second year.

Professional

After that year, Thomas entered the 2003 MLS SuperDraft, where he was selected 10th overall by Dallas Burn. Thomas struggled in his first year, often appearing raw, but finished the season with 14 starts and 1252 minutes for the Burn. In the offseason, Thomas was traded to Kansas City Wizards in exchange for Eric Quill and Carey Talley. In his second year, Thomas established himself as a solid defender, playing center back for one of the league's best defensive teams. He finished the season with 1880 minutes in 22 starts. Thomas continued as a starter in 2005 and 2006. On 23 March 2007, Thomas was traded to Los Angeles Galaxy for a conditional second-round draft pick. On 3 May 2007, he was traded to Chivas USA for a second-round pick in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft. Thomas was selected by Philadelphia Union in the 2009 MLS Expansion Draft on 25 November 2009. He was traded to his former club Kansas City Wizards on 30 June 2010 in exchange for two MLS SuperDraft picks and allocation money. Thomas remained with Kansas City through the 2011 season. At season's end, the club declined his 2012 contract option and he entered the 2011 MLS Re-Entry Draft. Thomas was…