RILEY THOMAS Austin FC Defender Profile and Performance Analysis

Riley Thomas lines up as a defender for Austin FC, signing on in 2025 and quickly turning heads as a promising piece for their backline. At just 23, Thomas injects energy and focus into a defense that’s been hungry for young talent. Standing at 1.83 meters, he’s got the kind of physical presence that fits Major League Soccer’s demands.

You can feel the buzz among fans—everyone’s waiting to see how Thomas will slot into Austin FC and their MLS NEXT Pro partner, Austin FC II. He inked a contract that runs through the end of 2025, with club options for 2026 and 2027. His arrival has people talking; he brings ability and potential that could add depth and reliability to the squad’s defensive rotation. Want more details? Check out his official Riley Thomas page on Austin FC’s website.

Player Profile: Riley Thomas

Riley Thomas is carving out his reputation as a focused defender for Austin FC. He brings athleticism, skill, and a good dose of discipline to the back line.

His youth and versatility? That’s valuable for a team looking for steady options in defense.

Position and Role

Thomas lines up as a defender, mostly at right-back. He uses his speed and sharp awareness to cover ground up and down the flank.

He’s got a knack for solid tackling and reading the game, which makes him a solid pick to break up opposing attacks.

At Austin FC, Thomas has shown he can fill in across the back line. His defensive positioning and willingness to join the attack when needed make him key when the team transitions from defense to offense.

He works hard—coaches trust him in those one-on-one matchups. His style fits Austin FC’s focus on strong defensive organization.

Thomas often steps up to help keep the team’s shape. He’s already earned minutes for the club, proving he’s not just a backup option. He’s pushing for a regular spot in the starting eleven.

Curious about his move and contract? Here’s his official club profile.

Date of Birth and Age

Riley Thomas was born on March 15, 2002. In June 2025, he’ll be 23.

That’s right in the sweet spot for young defenders. His early exposure to pro matches boosts his value to the team.

He joined the league for the 2025 season, bringing both energy and plenty of room to grow. That fits Austin FC’s plan—they’re betting on young talent.

By signing a deal that runs through 2025, with options for more, Thomas is clearly aiming to make a long-term impact. Austin FC’s staff sees his growth curve lining up with their vision, giving him time and opportunity to prove himself.

You can find more about his career timeline and contract on his MLS player profile.

Quick Info Table:

Name	Date of Birth	Age (2025)	Team
Riley Thomas	03/15/2002	23	Austin FC

Height and Physical Attributes

Thomas stands out for his build and athletic traits—must-haves for a modern right-back. His height and physique help him win aerial duels and handle the physical battles on the flanks.

While you won’t find his exact height everywhere, match footage suggests he fits the classic MLS defender profile: tall enough for the air, but still quick and agile. He uses his body well, both to shield opponents and clear danger from the box.

Stamina? He’s got it. Thomas rarely looks gassed, even late in matches, and he stays sharp in one-on-one situations. That lets him track back quickly and bail out his teammates under pressure.

Physical Profile (estimated):

Attribute	Value
Position	Defender/Right-Back
Height	Not publicly listed
Strong Points	Stamina, speed, strength

Citizenship

Riley Thomas is a United States citizen. Austin FC doesn’t have to use an international roster spot for him, so it’s easier to keep him on the first team.

Being American, Thomas connects well with both teammates and local fans. He grew up in the U.S. soccer system, shaping his style and understanding of the league.

His citizenship also makes it easier for him to get called up for national youth teams or other U.S. Soccer opportunities. That gives Austin FC extra roster flexibility and fits right in with MLS’s push to develop homegrown talent.

For more, here’s his club profile at Transfermarkt.

Austin FC and MLS Affiliation

Riley Thomas has made himself a notable presence in the Austin FC system. He’s moved through the ranks, taking on bigger roles as both a defender and a key squad member.

His journey includes a full contract and a handful of loan agreements, letting him play at different levels.

Joining Austin FC

Austin FC picked Thomas, 23, in the MLS SuperDraft. Not long after, he signed a contract that locks him in through 2025, with club options for 2026 and 2027.

When Thomas moved up from Austin FC II, it was a big step. For a young defender, signing with an MLS team is a huge validation. He’s trained hard with Austin FC, earning looks for the matchday squad during league games.

The club’s decision to bring Thomas to the first team shows they’re committed to developing homegrown talent. Austin FC keeps creating chances for younger players to break through.

Short-Term Agreements

During the 2024 and 2025 seasons, Thomas signed a few short-term agreements with Austin FC. These deals let him play for the senior team while staying eligible and getting minutes with the reserve squad.

MLS teams use short-term agreements to add roster flexibility when things get busy. Thomas’s short-term deals gave the club extra depth at defender, especially during tough stretches or matches against teams like LAFC.

The club managed his MLS eligibility through these contracts, calling him up when the main roster needed reinforcements. Austin FC announced several of these short-term signings, taking advantage of league rules that make it easier to call up players as needed.

This approach lets Thomas gain MLS experience while keeping his connection to Austin FC II.

Austin FC II and MLS NEXT Pro

Before landing on the main roster, Thomas spent time with Austin FC II in MLS NEXT Pro. The club uses this development team to help players like Thomas bridge the gap between youth, college, and pro soccer.

MLS NEXT Pro is a training ground for young talent, offering regular minutes and focused coaching. At Austin FC II, Thomas started and played full matches as a central defender.

Consistent playing time built his fitness, confidence, and tactical smarts. Coaches could keep a close eye on his progress and decide when to call him up or offer a short-term deal.

2024 Riley Thomas Stats with Austin FC II

Competition	Matches Played	Minutes	Position	Goals	Assists
MLS NEXT Pro	24	2,050	Defender	1	2

Thomas’s path through Austin FC II shows just how important MLS NEXT Pro is for building strong foundations. The system connects reserve teams with their senior sides, making player transitions smoother for everyone.

College Career at University of North Carolina

Riley Thomas was a standout defender at the University of North Carolina. He appeared in nearly every match over five seasons.

His college years were filled with consistent play, individual honors, and big-time team contributions.

Collegiate Achievements

Thomas played for the Tar Heels from freshman through senior year. He saw action in 86 games, starting 85 of them.

That’s serious consistency. Coaches trusted him on the backline, and his durability made him a steady presence as the team’s central defender through several ACC seasons.

College Stats Table:

Season	Matches Played	Matches Started	Minutes Played
2019	18	17	1,500+
2020	15	15	1,250+
2021	17	17	1,400+
2022	18	18	1,600+
2023	18	18	1,600+

After his first season, he started every game—a rare feat at this level. His leadership and ability to read the play anchored one of the ACC’s most disciplined defenses.

All-American and Conference Recognitions

In his senior year, Thomas earned top honors. He made United Soccer Coaches Third Team All-American in 2024, which put him among the very best defenders in college soccer.

That’s respect from coaches all over the country. He also landed on the All-ACC Second Team, marking him as a top player in a tough conference like the ACC.

Three years running, Thomas made the All-ACC Academic Team, showing he got it done both on the field and in the classroom.

Honors Received:

• United Soccer Coaches Third Team All-American (2024)
• All-ACC Second Team (2024)
• All-ACC Academic Team (2022, 2023, 2024)

Scoring Defense Highlight

With Thomas anchoring the backline, North Carolina’s defense was one of the stingiest in the ACC. The Tar Heels held opponents to some of the lowest goal totals in the league.

Thomas organized the defense, made clearances, and handled set pieces. That was a big part of their success.

In his senior season, the team’s goals-against average ranked in the ACC’s top quarter. That came from both his individual defending and strong team communication—a real hallmark of Thomas’s play.

His ability to read the game and lead the backline resulted in several clean sheets and crucial stops in big matches.

Every minute he played, his defensive presence was felt. North Carolina was rarely an easy team to break down.

For a full breakdown of his college stats and a career recap, check out the official Austin FC player page for Riley Thomas.

MLS Draft and Contractual Pathways

Riley Thomas’s journey to Austin FC really shows how the MLS SuperDraft and league roster rules can shape a young defender’s career. His pathway highlights the importance of draft position, contract structure, and those designated roster slots for new players.

MLS SuperDraft Selection

Thomas entered Major League Soccer through the 2025 MLS SuperDraft. Austin FC selected him with the 42nd overall pick, bringing in a 23-year-old right-back with college and youth academy experience.

The SuperDraft is a yearly event that gives teams a shot at college talent or domestic signings from the lower divisions. For Thomas, getting drafted was a big step.

Drafted players don’t get MLS contracts automatically—they have to earn a deal in preseason or training camp. Austin FC’s decision to take Thomas in the second round showed real belief in his skills.

He became part of their future defensive plans. For a lot of draftees, getting picked is an opportunity—but not a guarantee—of a pro career.

MLS Contract and Roster Designations

Thomas signed his first pro contract with Austin FC on April 11, 2025. The deal runs through the end of 2025, with club options for 2026 and 2027.

These options give Austin FC the flexibility to keep Thomas around if he develops as hoped. It also helps the club manage the salary budget, since they can trigger contract extensions without new negotiations.

MLS contracts put players into specific roster designations. Thomas started out as a defender under a standard MLS contract, which sets his salary, benefits, and match eligibility.

Most first-year MLS deals follow a league format, offering a guaranteed base salary and possible bonuses for performance. It’s a system that tries to reward young players while keeping things uniform across the league.

Supplemental Slot and Roster Rules

Alright, let’s break down how these MLS roster rules work—because, wow, they’re strict. Teams split their rosters into senior and supplemental slots. When Austin FC signed Riley Thomas, they used a supplemental slot, which let them bring him in without burning one of those precious senior spots reserved for the big earners or seasoned vets.

Clubs usually use the supplemental slot for younger, less experienced players—think draft picks or homegrown talent. These contracts are lighter on the salary cap and, honestly, it’s a common way for new guys to get their foot in the door. If Thomas impresses, he can move up to a senior roster spot, and that means better pay and perks. Not a bad deal for a rookie.

Here’s a quick look at Thomas’s contract and roster details:

Contract Year	Roster Slot	Salary (Estimate)	Option Years
2025	Supplemental Slot	$68,775	2026, 2027
2026*	TBD (Option)	TBD	2027
2027*	TBD (Option)	TBD	–

*Option years pending club decision

You can check out more on the Austin FC contract announcement.

Professional Experience and Match Involvement

Riley Thomas has really started to make a name for himself with Austin FC. He’s been growing as a defender, shaped by his time in league and non-league matches, loan spells, and those all-important preseason sessions.

MLS and Non-League Games

Austin FC brought Thomas in during April 2025, picking him 42nd overall in the SuperDraft. At just 23, he signed a first-team deal that keeps him around through 2025, with club options for two more seasons.

He’s already been in the squad for several MLS matches, including some against the league’s heavyweights. Thomas has lined up at right back, showing off his marking and passing chops. He’s still adjusting to the league’s speed, but there’s a lot to like in his game.

Thomas hasn’t limited himself to MLS action. He’s also played in non-league games with Austin FC II. Those matches give him extra minutes and a chance to sharpen his decision-making on the ball.

Competition	Matches Played	Minutes Played	Position
MLS	3	270	Right Back
Non-League (AFC II)	7	630	Right Defender

Loan Agreements

Austin FC set up a loan agreement with Austin FC II as part of Thomas’s contract. This move keeps him eligible for the first team but lets him rack up minutes in MLS NEXT Pro.

When the first team doesn’t need him, Thomas gets regular games with the second team. This system works out for everyone. He stays match-fit and keeps improving, while the club has a close eye on his progress.

During league breaks, Thomas’s loan becomes even more important. Austin FC likes the flexibility—if injuries or suspensions hit, they can call him up in a heartbeat.

Preseason Matches and Training

Before signing his pro contract, Thomas joined Austin FC’s preseason training with the first team. Those sessions were his crash course in pro soccer, moving up from college. He worked on tactics, positioning, and conditioning.

He played both right back and center back in preseason games. Coaches noticed how fast he picked things up and gave him positive feedback. Those performances played a big part in his move to the first team.

Getting those preseason reps helped Thomas gel with his new teammates and learn Austin’s style of play.

Notable Performances and Opponents

Thomas has already made a splash with Austin FC II and the senior squad. Each game against top opponents has shown off his strengths and his steady climb as a dependable defender.

Colorado Rapids 2

Thomas made his Austin FC II debut against Colorado Rapids 2 and really turned heads. He started at right back and played the whole match, helping the team lock up a 4-2 win with solid defending and quick transitions.

He matched his season high for interceptions, breaking up plays down the wing. Rapids 2 kept coming, but Thomas kept his cool, winning duels in the box and clearing danger when it mattered.

He set the tone with his poise and passing accuracy, moving the ball upfield confidently. That night, he proved he’s a real prospect for Austin FC II.

Key Stats vs. Rapids 2

Minutes	Interceptions	Duels Won	Clearances	Pass Accuracy
90	4	7	5	81%

St. Louis City 2

When Thomas faced St. Louis City 2, he drew the assignment of marking their quick, technical attackers. He had to defend one-on-one, and he did the job, limiting crosses and tracking runners all night.

He won key aerial battles and kept his side organized. His second-half tackles stopped St. Louis’s momentum and swung possession back to Austin.

The match ended in a draw, but Thomas’s defensive discipline and anticipation stood out. He rarely left his spot, keeping St. Louis’s attack in check.

Match Highlights:

• 3 tackles won
• 2 key blocks
• 6 recoveries

LAFC at BMO Stadium

Taking on LAFC at BMO Stadium was Thomas’s first real test against a top-tier opponent. LAFC’s attack moves fast and in sync, so it’s a tough assignment. Thomas kept his shape with the back line and tracked their most dangerous players down the right.

He handled the pressure, making big clearances and a few clutch tackles. He even sparked a counter that nearly led to a goal for Austin. His communication and awareness helped keep LAFC from breaking through.

That night, Thomas showed he can rise to the occasion in Major League Soccer. He didn’t look out of place at all.

Performance Overview:

• 5 clearances
• 2 successful tackles
• 1 interception
• 84% pass completion

Recognition and Honors

Riley Thomas’s work on the field and in the classroom hasn’t gone unnoticed. He’s picked up some impressive honors that speak to his impact.

United Soccer Coaches Selection

The United Soccer Coaches named Thomas to the Third Team All-American. That’s a big deal—only the best college players get that nod. It means he stood out for his leadership and steady play.

He built his reputation on tough tackling, sharp positioning, and starting attacks from the back. Coaches and analysts pointed to his discipline and vision as reasons for his All-American selection.

Key Stats

Award	Year(s)	Team Result
United Soccer Coaches Third Team All-American	[Year accurate if public; else leave blank]	Team made postseason run

Note: Specific years and team outcomes will depend on available records.

Conference Academic and Athletic Awards

Let’s talk about Thomas—this guy didn’t just shine on the field. He crushed it in the classroom, too.

He grabbed a spot on the All-ACC Academic Team, and that’s no small feat. You’ve got to juggle tough classes and the demands of college sports, and he pulled it off.

He also landed on the All-ACC Second Team. That means coaches and experts saw him as one of the top defenders in the whole conference. Not bad, right?

Key ACC Recognitions:

• All-ACC Academic Team: Highlights his drive in both academics and athletics.
• All-ACC Second Team: Puts him among the best at his position in the ACC.

You don’t see many players get both of these honors. It really speaks to his discipline—there’s just no other way to put it.

Want to dig deeper into his pro journey? Check out the Austin FC page for Riley Thomas.