Music: {allcanada} TORONTO FC ACQUIRES MIDFIELDER THOMAS FROM SPORTING KC

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

{allcanada} TORONTO FC ACQUIRES MIDFIELDER THOMAS FROM SPORTING KC

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TORONTO -- Toronto FC acquired midfielder Michael Thomas from Sporting Kansas City on Tuesday for a second-round pick in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft.

The 25-year-old Thomas signed with Sporting KC in January 2012 and played in seven MLS matches for the club. He also made two starts in U.S. Open Cup competitions, including a 3-0 victory in the quarter-finals of last year's championship run.

Thomas grew up in nearby Olathe, Kan., and was a star at St. Thomas Aquinas High School before playing his college soccer at Notre Dame. He began his pro career in Sweden.

Sporting KC acquired Thomas's rights from the San Jose Earthquakes and signed him on January 18, 2012.

"Michael is a solid player who our coaches have had their eye on for some time," Toronto FC president and general manager Kevin Payne said in a statement. "He's versatile and athletic and will be an important part of TFC for some years to come."

Also Tuesday, Toronto signed Scottish international defender Steven Caldwell following the expiration of his loan agreement.

"Steven has done a great job in anchoring our defence since arriving on loan, and he's been a terrific influence in the locker-room," Payne said. "We're very pleased that he'll be with us for this and the next two seasons."

Caldwell, 32, has started in six matches for Toronto FC since joining on loan from Birmingham City F.C. on May 7. He spent the past two seasons with Birmingham where he made 90 appearances and scored two goals in all competitions for the club.

"I'm excited to sign for a fantastic club," Caldwell said in a statement. "I hope to help achieve the success that I believe is coming in the not too distant future."

Caldwell has earned 12 caps for the Scottish National team to date. He made his debut on April 25, 2001 in a 1-1 draw away to Poland.