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OKC Energy FC Signs First Player in Franchise History

January 29, 2014 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Oklahoma City Barons News Release


OKLAHOMA CITY - OKC Energy FC, USL PRO affiliate of Sporting Kansas City, signed center-mid Michael Thomas, General Manager Jason Hawkins announced today. Thomas, a native of Olathe, Kan., is the first player signed in franchise history.

He started the 2013 MLS season with Sporting Kansas City before being acquired by Toronto FC on July 2, 2013 via a trade. Thomas has eight career MLS games and 356 minutes played on his resume. He played for Sporting KC during the 2012 season, as well, and was with the team during the 2012 MLS Playoffs and two international friendlies.

"I had the pleasure of playing with Michael in Kansas City," Energy FC Head Coach Jimmy Nielsen said. "He's one of the most hard-working guys on and off the field and that's exactly the professional attitude I expect him to bring to our team. He's a guy you can rely on. I expect a lot out of him, and he's a key player that I'm proud to have on board."

Thomas was taken 19th overall during the 2010 MLS SuperDraft by the San Jose Earthquakes. He opted to sign with Halmstads KK of the Allsvensjan in Sweden. He then moved to Ljungskile SK, also in the Swedish top division in July 2010.

"I'm excited to be a part of the inception of an organization that has the potential to be one of the most prestigious clubs, not only in USL PRO, but hopefully some day in the MLS," Thomas said. "The organization has a clear vision of where it wants to be and how to get there. Playing for a club that has high expectations, a very professional environment, and a great following is something that every professional athlete strives for. I feel Energy FC has all three of these characteristics and that only makes playing soccer for the organization more appealing."

Thomas played four years at Notre Dame, where he started 81 matches for the Fighting Irish. He scored 19 goals and had 13 assists en route to earning first-team All-BIG EAST honors as a senior.

Thomas prepped at St. Thomas Aquinas High School where he led the Saints to three state titles and was named to the 2005 NSCAA/adidas Boys High-School All-America team.

Season tickets for OKC Energy FC are available by calling the Energy FC office at 405-235-KICK (5425). Fans are encouraged to act quickly. Seats in the prime areas are being purchased quickly.

USL PRO is the strongest, best operated and most experienced North American men's professional soccer league outside of Major League Soccer (MLS). Focused on franchise stability and longevity, USL PRO features 15 teams for the 2014 season, including expansion teams in Oklahoma City and Sacramento. Presently six USL PRO teams have direct affiliations with Major League Soccer clubs.

The league not only serves as a springboard to the MLS for players, but also for franchises. Five of the last six clubs to enter MLS have moved up from the USL's top professional division. Among the most successful clubs, the Vancouver Whitecaps, Seattle Sounders, Portland Timbers, Montreal Impact and Orlando City SC all operated franchises in the USL's top professional division before making the transition to MLS.



American Hockey League Stories from January 29, 2014


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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