November 25, 2009
GETTING HIS UNION CARD
Chivas’ Thomas selected in Expansion Draft

CHESTER, Pa--Major League Soccer’s 2010 expansion club Philadelphia Union selected defender Shavar Thomas from Chivas USA in the 2009 MLS Expansion Draft. The 28-year-old defender from Hannah Town, Jamaica, is a seven year MLS veteran who made 59 appearances (58 starts) for Chivas since joining the team in 2007.

“Shavar is a talented, strong defender, and we wish him the best of luck in Philadelphia,” said Chivas USA Vice President of Soccer Operations Stephen Hamilton. “The reality of the Expansion Draft is that you may lose a valued member of your team, and we’re sorry to see Shavar go. We now turn our focus on putting together our team for the 2010 MLS Regular Season.”

Shavar Thomas, born Jan. 29, 1981 in Hannah Town, Jamaica, has made 148 career appearances in Major League Soccer since joining the Dallas Burn as the 10th overall SuperDraft pick out of the University of Connecticut in 2003. Thomas spent the 2003 season with Dallas before joining the Kansas City Wizards, where he played from 2004-2006. In 2007, the Jamaican International joined Chivas USA, playing 59 matches with the Red-and-White from 2007-2009. Thomas has also made 27 appearances with the Jamaican National Team.

The Union’s full list of selections:
Goalkeeper: Brad Knighton (New England)
Defenders: Dave Myrie (Chicago Fire), Shavar Thomas (Chivas USA), Jordan Harvey (Colorado Rapids)
Midfielders: Shea Salinas (San Jose Earthquakes), Stefani Miglioranzi (Los Angeles Galaxy), Andrew Jacobsen (D.C. United)
Forwards: Nick Zimmerman (New York Red Bulls), Alejandro Moreno (Columbus Crew), Sebastien Le Toux (Seattle Sounders)