STANFORD, Calif. - Andrew Thomas has been selected by Seattle Sounders FC of Major League Soccer (MLS) off waivers as part of a Generation Adidas contract, set to join the team's roster immediately.
One of the top goalkeepers in program history, Thomas concludes his career at Stanford as a three-time member of the All-Pac-12 first team, a three-time All-Far West Region pick by the United Soccer Coaches, a three-time Pac-12 champion and an All-American in 2019. He ranks second in program history with a goals against average of 0.67, fourth in career shutouts (23) and fifth in career minutes played (5,222). His 172 career saves are eighth in the Stanford record books.
"I am hugely thankful for my time at Stanford," said Thomas. "I've been fortunate enough to have spent four incredible years surrounded by driven individuals, both on and off the pitch, who pushed me to grow every day. Granted, growth is inevitable when the faculty, coaches and athletic staff are world-class experts in their fields. Amongst all the lifetime friendships that I've made and phenomenal teammates that I've had, I especially appreciate the guys in my soccer class who's support and influence truly made the college experience exceed all my expectations. I'm proud to be graduating into both a Stanford and Stanford Soccer alumni network that I know I'll stay connected to for the rest of my life."
Thomas played in 55 games in his time on The Farm, starting each. A key part of Stanford's defensive unit for the past three seasons, Thomas continuously ranked near the top of both the Pac-12 and the country in goalkeeping statistics and featured a career-high of 11 saves in the 2018 NCAA Tournament at Saint Mary's. With an overall record of 34-10-11, Thomas' best moments in the goal were undoubtedly during the 2019 NCAA Tournament, making four penalty kick saves in the second round to advance past Seattle, and again making the game-winning penalty kick save in the quarterfinals at Clemson.
"Andrew's had an exceptional career since arriving at Stanford," said The Knowles Family Director of Men's Soccer Jeremy Gunn. "We truly feel that he's grown into one of the most exciting young keepers in the country and proudly wish him the very best of luck as he moves on to his future endeavors."
Holding triple citizenship from the United States, the United Kingdom and Russia, Thomas features previous experience training with the pros, doing so multiple times with the U.S. U23 team in 2019.
"I am exceptionally excited for this opportunity," Thomas continued. "Having visited two summers ago, getting a taste of the organization, team culture and fan base, I've hoped things might align there. I'm immensely grateful to the Sounders for making it happen. I can't wait to get to Seattle, work hard and learn as much as I possibly can to help contribute to the team's success. I know the lessons I learned at Stanford will stand me in good stead to make the most of this opportunity."
Off the field, Thomas has excelled in the classroom, named an Academic All-American in 2019 along with winning the NCAA's Elite 90 Award, given to the student-athlete with the top GPA at the College Cup. Boasting a 4.051 GPA, Thomas is set to graduate this June with a degree in engineering physics.
