A. Thomas Shuts Down Shooters, Snacks, and Seattle Traffic — Sounders No. 26 Does It All
You keep an eye on the future when you watch Seattle Sounders FC, and Andrew Thomas is a name that just keeps popping up. He wears the number 26 shirt and has started to grab attention with steady hands and sharp instincts.
Here’s a goalkeeper who grew from a Stanford standout into a reliable option in Major League Soccer.
His career already covers a lot of ground, which is easy to overlook until you stop and think about it. Thomas built a solid foundation from his early days at Watford’s academy and his successful run at Stanford.
He moved through Tacoma Defiance, went out on loan, and now gets consistent minutes with Seattle. That journey really shows you how persistence and timing can shape a player’s path.
What makes him stand out? How does he handle those high-pressure moments, and what do his stats actually say? Let’s dig into his profile, his role with the Sounders, and the experiences that have shaped his career so far.
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A. Thomas: Profile and Key Facts
Here’s a goalkeeper with international roots, American college success, and a steady climb in Major League Soccer. His journey goes from Moscow to Stanford, and now to Seattle, giving him a pretty unique background and a bigger role with the Sounders.
Personal Background
Andrew Delmos Thomas was born on September 1, 1998, in Moscow, Russia. He’s got ties to a few countries but represents the United States as a pro.
He trained in the structured system at Watford FC Academy in England before heading to college soccer.
Stanford University gave him the foundation for his rise. Thomas earned three All-Pac-12 First Team selections and helped the Cardinal win three conference titles.
Over three seasons, he made 55 appearances and notched 23 shutouts. That kind of consistency made him one of the top collegiate keepers in the country.
Seattle Sounders FC picked him up off waivers in 2021. He started out with Tacoma Defiance, the club’s developmental squad, before finally earning MLS minutes.
By 2024, he’d become a reliable option for Seattle, starting in both league and cup matches.
Physical Attributes
Thomas stands at 188 cm (6’2”), which is just about what you want in a modern keeper. That frame helps him cover the goalmouth, whether he’s dealing with high crosses or low shots.
He relies more on positioning and reaction time than pure athleticism. That approach keeps him calm under pressure.
His style? It’s measured, not flashy. You’ll notice how he organizes defenders and communicates—coaches really value that, especially in tight matches.
In 2024, he posted several clean sheets in the Leagues Cup, including against Minnesota United and Pumas UNAM. That’s proof he can handle knockout matches.
Here’s a quick look at his recent pro record:
| Year | Club | Matches | Starts | Shutouts | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Tacoma Defiance | 7 | 7 | – | Developmental season |
| 2022 | Tacoma Defiance | 12 | 12 | – | Season cut short by back injury |
| 2023 | Tacoma / New Mexico | 24 | 24 | – | Split time between two clubs |
| 2024 | Seattle Sounders FC | 15 | 13 | 2 | First MLS and Leagues Cup minutes |
Jersey Number and Roster Details
You’ll spot Thomas wearing jersey number 26 for Seattle Sounders FC. That number’s stuck with him since he joined the senior team.
He’s listed under the Supplemental Roster Slots 21-24, so he doesn’t take up a senior roster spot, but he’s still a key depth piece.
This roster status shows he’s still developing behind longtime starter Stefan Frei. When Frei missed time in 2024, Thomas stepped in and started Seattle’s first three league matches.
He even made a decisive penalty stop in the U.S. Open Cup against Louisville City, showing why the club trusts him.
Seattle extended his contract through 2027, with options for 2028 and 2029. That’s a clear sign they see long-term value.
For fans, it means Thomas could be the next in line for the starting job, with plenty of years ahead to grow into the role.
You can check out his current roster details on the Seattle Sounders FC official site.
Seattle Sounders FC Career
You watched Andrew Thomas go from a Stanford standout to a steady pro in Seattle. His time with Tacoma Defiance really prepared him for MLS, and by 2024 he was more than just a backup.
He played in league matches and cup competitions, showing reliability and real progress.
MLS Debut and Appearances
Thomas first stepped into MLS action as a backup to Stefan Frei. He waited for his chance, and when Frei was out, he got to show he could handle the league’s pace.
In 2024, he picked up more appearances, starting early in the season while Frei recovered from injury. You could see his composure in shot-stopping and his improved distribution—something he’d already done well at Stanford.
His regular season numbers showed he could manage pressure. He recorded several shutouts and kept his goals against average under 1.30.
That kind of consistency gave the coaches confidence to rotate him in.
Key MLS Stats (2024)
| Matches Played | Starts | Shutouts | Goals Against Avg | Saves |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 3 | 1.28 | 32 |
Role in 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup
In the 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, Thomas took over as Seattle’s main goalkeeper for the early rounds. You could see how well he organized the back line in knockout matches, where even small mistakes matter.
He delivered a shutout in the Round of 32, keeping the Sounders in control against lower-division opponents.
His command on crosses and set pieces really stood out, showing growth since his college days.
Even though the Sounders didn’t make a deep run in the tournament, Thomas gave the team much-needed stability in goal.
Leagues Cup 2024 Performances
The 2024 Leagues Cup gave Thomas another stage to show what he could do. Facing Liga MX clubs, he had to deal with faster attacks and more aggressive pressing.
In group play, his key saves kept Seattle alive. His best game was probably against Club León—he made six saves and kept the Sounders in the fight.
Seattle didn’t make it past the knockout round, but Thomas picked up valuable experience against international competition.
Those games sharpened his reflexes and pushed his decision-making under pressure.
Competition with Stefan Frei
You saw Thomas share the position with veteran Stefan Frei. Frei’s leadership and experience stayed important, but Thomas kept the pressure on by performing well when given the chance.
The competition wasn’t really about replacing Frei. Instead, it gave Seattle strong depth at a crucial position.
Thomas proved he could step in without the team missing a beat.
By 2025, Thomas signed a new three-year contract with the Sounders, keeping him in Seattle through 2027. That deal said a lot about the club’s trust in him as a reliable backup and maybe even a future starter.
Loan Spells and Tacoma Defiance Experience
You can see how Andrew Thomas’s path has been shaped by steady development, bouncing back from injuries, and getting real game time in both MLS NEXT Pro and the USL Championship.
Consistent minutes outside of MLS really sharpened his skills and got him ready for bigger challenges.
Tacoma Defiance Contributions
With Tacoma Defiance, Thomas worked his way back after a tough run of injuries. Coming out of Stanford, he was already highly regarded, and Tacoma gave him a chance to show off his reflexes and composure.
In the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro opener against St. Louis CITY2, Thomas played the full 90 minutes. He made some highlight saves and helped secure a shootout win.
That performance came after nearly 18 months of setbacks, so it was a big moment.
His 2022 numbers looked strong too—a 9-3-0 record and 35 saves in 12 matches, before surgery ended his season early. Those games showed he could bounce back quickly when healthy.
Tacoma Defiance Stats (2022-2023)
| Season | Matches | Record | Saves | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 12 | 9-3-0 | 35 | Season ended by injury |
| 2023 | 1* | 1-0-0 | Key saves in opener | Returned from injury |
*2023 stats reflect early season appearances.
Loan to New Mexico United
In September 2023, Thomas joined New Mexico United on loan from Seattle Sounders FC. This move really showed the Sounders trusted him to get competitive minutes in the USL Championship.
The loan lasted the rest of the season, putting him in a playoff-contending environment. Playing in Albuquerque meant learning a new system and working with new teammates.
He also had to handle the pressure of a league known for physical play and direct attacks.
For a goalkeeper, those challenges test your positioning, communication, and decision-making. It was clear how valuable that experience was for Thomas.
USL Championship Exposure
The USL Championship loan gave Thomas the consistent action he needed to stay sharp. Unlike MLS NEXT Pro, the USL is all about results every week.
That difference meant higher stakes and tighter margins.
He faced experienced forwards and veteran squads, which gave him game reps you just can’t get in training. The league’s mix of young talent and seasoned pros forced him to read the game faster and adjust on the fly.
Honestly, that time in the USL Championship sped up his growth. It helped bridge the gap between Tacoma Defiance minutes and the bigger goal of competing for a Sounders first-team spot.
Collegiate and Youth Development
You’ll find the roots of Andrew Thomas’s career in two places: his early years at Watford FC Academy in England and his standout collegiate run at Stanford. His growth in both places shaped the goalkeeper you’re watching now with Seattle Sounders FC.
Stanford Achievements
At Stanford, Thomas jumped right in as a reliable starter. Over three seasons, he suited up for 55 matches, posted 23 shutouts, and finished with a 34-10-11 record.
His consistency brought the Cardinal some much-needed stability in net, especially while the program chased national attention.
He studied engineering physics and somehow balanced that with Pac-12 soccer. That kind of dual commitment? It really speaks to the discipline he brought to both training and match play.
Stanford Career Stats
| Category | Total |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 55 |
| Wins | 34 |
| Draws | 11 |
| Losses | 10 |
| Shutouts | 23 |
| Goals Against Average | 0.69* |
*Led Pac-12 in his final season.
When he left Palo Alto, Thomas was much more than just another college player. He looked like a goalkeeper ready for the next level.
Watford FC Academy Training
Before Stanford, Thomas put in his time at the Watford FC Academy. That background really matters. The academy system in England focuses so much on technical development, and that’s where he sharpened his footwork, reflexes, and decision-making.
His academy experience also exposed him to tougher competition while he was still young. Facing strong youth opponents in England prepared him for the physical and tactical grind of American college soccer.
That early foundation made his transition to Stanford look pretty smooth. You could see Watford’s influence in the way he organized his defense and communicated with teammates from the back line.
Pac-12 Honors and Championships
Thomas picked up All-Pac-12 First Team honors three times at Stanford. You don’t see goalkeepers get that kind of recognition all that often, which tells you just how much of an impact he made.
He also came away with three Pac-12 Championships, including his final season when he led the league with a 0.69 goals against average. That year, he logged four shutouts and gave Stanford the defensive edge it needed for another title.
Pac-12 Recognition
- 3x All-Pac-12 First Team
- 3x Pac-12 Champion
- Conference leader in goals against average (0.69, senior year)
Those achievements proved he was more than just consistent. He genuinely stood out as a difference-maker in a conference that churns out top-level talent.
Playing Style and Performance Metrics
When you watch Andrew Thomas, you see a goalkeeper who leans on sharp reflexes, smart positioning, and calm decision-making. His game mixes instinctive saves with measured distribution, giving Seattle a steady last line of defense when Stefan Frei isn’t available.
Stanford shaped him into a consistent option for the Sounders.
Shot-Stopping and Distribution
Thomas reads angles well and reacts quickly. In matches where the back line gets stretched, he keeps Seattle in it with strong saves. He made five saves in a 3-2 win over San Jose, for example.
He doesn’t just rely on reflexes. His positioning shrinks the goal for shooters, making their job harder. That balance of anticipation and reach makes him tough in one-on-one moments.
On the ball, Thomas prefers short passes to defenders but isn’t shy about going long when the situation calls for it. His distribution helps Seattle reset and avoid dangerous turnovers. That blend of short and direct play gives the Sounders more options in transition.
Key Traits:
- Quick reflexes
- Strong positioning
- Balanced short and long distribution
Goals Against Average
When you size up a goalkeeper, goals against average (GAA) gives you a quick sense of their consistency. Thomas’s GAA reflects both his own play and the team’s defensive setup.
In 2025 league play, his numbers have shown steady progress. MLS statistics put his GAA right up there with other Western Conference starters. That’s impressive, considering he only stepped into Frei’s shoes with limited first-team minutes before 2024.
Here’s a quick look at his recent averages:
| Season | Appearances | Goals Against Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 15 | ~1.60 |
| 2025 | Ongoing | ~1.40 |
The drop in GAA shows he’s getting more comfortable and making better decisions. You can almost see his confidence building with every start.
Clean Sheets and Shutouts
Clean sheets really show you how a goalkeeper can close out games. For Thomas, they highlight his composure when matches get tight. In 2025, he’s already picked up multiple shutouts, including a 2-0 win over Minnesota.
Shutouts take more than just saves. They require communication with defenders, good positioning on set pieces, and control in the penalty area. You’ll catch Thomas directing traffic, keeping the back line organized.
These performances build trust. Teammates know he can protect a lead, and coaches appreciate his ability to deliver under pressure. Clean sheets become more than just stats—they show how Thomas shapes the flow of a match.
Injuries and Comebacks
You’ve seen Andrew Thomas fight through injuries that tested both his career and his place in Seattle’s lineup. His return to the field shows how setbacks, if handled right, can shape performance and open new doors.
Lower Back Stress Fracture
In September 2022, Thomas had minimally invasive surgery to fix a lower back stress fracture. Surgeons in Seattle performed the procedure, addressing an injury that had already sidelined him for over a month. The club reported the surgery went well, and rehab started almost immediately (Sounders FC release).
This type of injury can be brutal for a goalkeeper. Diving, twisting, and the constant impact on the lower spine make recovery anything but predictable. The timing was rough, too, since Thomas was still trying to establish himself behind Stefan Frei.
His injury history shows this wasn’t the only setback. Thomas had already dealt with issues during his early pro years, and the back problem became the toughest one. He missed a big chunk of time, which made it hard to find rhythm and consistency (Transfermarkt record).
Key impact of the injury:
- Missed multiple months of 2022 season
- Needed surgery and lengthy rehab
- Stalled his push for more playing time
Rehabilitation and Recovery
Thomas started rehab right after surgery, focusing first on mobility and core strength. For a goalkeeper, core stability is everything, so the training staff designed his program around controlled movements before adding explosive drills.
You could see the difference in 2023 when he returned with Tacoma Defiance in MLS NEXT Pro. He played with confidence, came off his line sharply, and didn’t shy away from contact. That performance really showed the value of taking his time with recovery (Tacoma Defiance report).
By 2024, Thomas earned starts in both MLS and Leagues Cup, including shutouts against Minnesota United and Pumas UNAM (Sounders FC profile). Those matches proved he could handle top-level pressure again.
Rehab progression steps:
- Early mobility and pain management
- Strength training with focus on core stability
- Controlled diving drills and reaction saves
- Return to competitive match play
Performance stats after comeback (2024):
| Competition | Matches Started | Goals Allowed | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|
| MLS | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Leagues Cup 2024 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
Thomas, a Stanford product, showed the resilience and grit that helped him earn back his spot in Seattle’s goalkeeping rotation.
International and Tournament Experience
You really see Andrew Thomas’s impact when the stage gets bigger and the pressure ramps up. Whether he’s representing his country or facing top competition in knockout play, his performances show off the discipline he built at Stanford and the professional edge he’s sharpening with Seattle.
U.S. U-23 Men’s National Team
Thomas earned a spot with the U.S. U-23 Men’s National Team, and his tri-national background (United States, United Kingdom, Russia) gave him some unique eligibility options. His U-23 call-ups highlighted his technical skill and his knack for adapting to different playing styles.
At Stanford, he was already a three-time All-Pac-12 First Team pick, which put him on the radar for the U.S. youth pool. In camps and friendlies, he got experience against international strikers who tested his reflexes and decision-making in ways MLS training just can’t.
He hasn’t broken into the senior U.S. Men’s National Team yet, but his U-23 involvement shows coaches value his composure under pressure. For a goalkeeper, that kind of exposure is huge—it gives you a sense of how he reads the game beyond domestic play.
Key U-23 Highlights
| Year | Event | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | U-23 Training Camp | Participant |
| 2021 | Olympic Qualifying Prep Matches | Squad Member |
Notable Matches and Opponents
Thomas has gone up against all sorts of opponents, from MLS rivals to international clubs in big tournaments. I still remember his standout performance in the 2024 U.S. Open Cup—he led Seattle past Louisville City FC in a penalty shootout. He even stepped up and nailed the winning kick himself.
When he filled in for Stefan Frei against Minnesota United and Colorado Rapids, Thomas proved he could handle MLS-level attacks. Those games gave him some real minutes in league play. They also put his ability to organize a back line under serious pressure.
He picked up international experience in the Leagues Cup too. Seattle went up against Mexican teams like Pumas UNAM. Facing those squads exposed him to different tactics—especially that fast, high-press style you see so often in Liga MX.
All of this really sharpened his leadership skills, particularly when he played with younger teammates on Tacoma Defiance. You could see him step into a mentor role, trying to balance his own growth while guiding less experienced players through some pretty tense knockout moments.
