Thomas
NATIONAL defender Shavar Thomas is set to join the rank of professionals when he gives up his final two years of University for a contract in the United States Major League Soccer (MLS).
Thomas, a 21-year-old sweeper who completed his first semester of his second year at the University of Connecticut where he was pursuing a degree in Economics told the Gleaner recently that that he will enter the MLS draft later this month. He departs the island on January 10 to take part in one or two of three games organised by the MLS from January 11-14 to look at prospective players.
"My plan right now is to enter the draft right and see what happens," said Thomas who is home for the holidays. "My coach said that I am tipped to go in the first round so that is what I am focusing on right now," he added.
The powerfully-built six-footer is one of three Jamaicans from the University of Connecticut who will be entering this year's draft. Joining him will be midfielder Anthony Curtis who was named a First team All-American and forward Damani Ralph a Second Team All-American. Thomas himself got Honourable Mention.
According to Thomas DC United, Metrostars, New England Revolution and Kansas City Wizards are the teams expressing interest in his services.
"It does not matter which team selects me but I like the DC area. I also know the New York New Jersey area where the Metrostars are located and additionally there are Jamaicans on the team such as Andy Williams and Craig Ziadie so that would be good for me, "explained the player who captained Jamaica at their historic participation in the 2001 Under-20 World Cup finals in Argentina.
As far as the New England Revolution are concerned that area would not be unfamiliar to him either as it is just an hour away from where he attended College in Connecticut. If he is successful he will join fellow Jamaicans Wolde Harris, Williams, Ziadie, Tyrone Marshall and Winston Griffiths in the MLS.
The man who made his senior debut under former technical director Rene Simoes and also played under Clovis de Oliveira had his last appearance for the senior team last summer on a tour of the Eastern Caribbean. He has not been involved since either at that level or the Under-23s which he is still eligible for but he still believes he is in frame for a call.
"No indication has been given that I will be in the squad (senior) but I would assume that the intention is there to call me having been a part of the senior and youth programme for some time," Thomas said.
"It was not said that I would not be a part of it but I do not know otherwise," continued Thomas who last trained with the national squad last August before heading back to the United States for school.
Thomas' absence from Jamaica's Under-23 squad in the recently held Central American and Caribbean (CAC) games was questioned by a number of people but according to the player it would have been difficult for him to participate then had he been contacted.
"To be honest with you had they called me up then I would have had to decline the offer because my team was in a crucial part of the season. We were in the post-season so I would not have wanted to disrupt that," he explained.
Now that that is behind him Thomas is ready to don the national colours once more. "Yes if they call me I will be ready."
- Nodley Wright
