One of the things that defined the first two seasons with Peter Vermes managing Sporting Kansas City was the heavy emphasis on foreign players. The worm seemed to turn in the 2011 season as Kevin Ellis and Jon Kempin where signed as homegrown players, and Kansas City native Seth Sinovic joined old high school team mate Matt Besler in the first team. The word round the campfire tonight is that the ranks may soon be swelling as another hometown player returns to Kansas City.
Michael Thomas is the name, and attached to him is a shared history with Matt Besler, the two having played together at Notre Dame, no doubt the Olathe native also crossed paths with Seth Sinovic on the local scene. Thomas was drafted 19th overall by the San Jose Earthquakes in the 2010 MLS Superdraft, instead of joining San Diego he opted instead to travel to Sweden where he ultimately joined Halmstads BK before moving onto Ljungskile SK in the second tier of Swedish football. He finished the 2011 season with five goals and four assists from midfield. Thomas was contracted to Ljungskile through the 2011 season which concluded in October.
He certainly fits the profile, young with some experience, and uncommitted. Given the quality of the facilities in this highlights video that his European experiment might have been something of a disappointment. I am not sure what kind of rights San Jose may have to claim on Thomas, no doubt if he is headed to Kansas City that has already been resolved. Take it for what you will, this is unconfirmed but I would at the very least expect Thomas to be coming in on trial.
Thomas is represented by Libero Sports as is Matt Besler and Nick Cardenas.
Good scoop, and it makes sense. I remember watching Thomas come through high school and college and had hope that he’d make it. You shouldn’t need to skip forward in a highlight reel that’s not even 2 minutes long, but that was the worst highlight video of all time.
Comment by szazzy — December 21, 2011 @ 12:46 am
Good information, but I am not sure the team needs him. From the looks of the highlight video, there is really nothing that makes him stand out. Also, playing in Sweden’s second division? Could he get better coaching or experience there than playing in the MLS? It almost looks like PDL level play, but it is really tough to tell in a 2 minute amateur video.
Comment by BenDover — December 21, 2011 @ 9:51 pm