Since his arrival to the Sounders in 2021, Andrew Thomas has been honing his craft while serving as the backup goalkeeper behind Stefan Frei.
From playing with Tacoma Defiance on-and-off for the last three years, going on loan to New Mexico United in 2023, to now stepping up when he’s called upon for First Team matches, Thomas has put in the work to elevate his game.
“[Andrew] is progressing really well,” said Goalkeeper Coach Tom Dutra.
Thomas made his mark early in the 2024 season, starting four matches while Frei was sidelined due to injury. The 25-year-old turned plenty of heads with those early showing, recording 19 saves and a clean sheet while producing some individual heroics.
His hard work and talents truly began to shine in May, when he earned the opportunity to compete in high-stakes tournaments like the U.S. Open Cup and most recently, the Leagues Cup.
“He is just a really good shot stopper,” said Dutra. “He can make saves.”
In the Open Cup Round of 32 against Louisville, Thomas produced four saves during the match before stopping three penalties and scoring the game-winner in the ensuing shootout. Riding that momentum, he put in strong outings against Phoenix Rising and Sacramento Republic, helping Seattle reach the upcoming semifinal against LAFC on August 27.
Following those showings in the Open Cup, the decision to insert him into the lineup for the team’s first Leagues Cup match against Minnesota United was an obvious one.
“We just have confidence in our guys,” said Dutra.
It was also a way for him to get reps on the pitch, with Frei taking the reins during MLS regular-season play.
“He's not playing for Defiance right now, so he doesn't get those games, and when you're not getting games, it's tough to stay in rhythm,” said Dutra. “It's tough when you only get a game here or there and so we're trying to get him some more games.”
Thomas recorded a total of four saves in the Sounders’ 2-0 victory over Minnesota United last Friday, including two spectacular stops to preserve the clean sheet. He also controlled the 18-yard box and was solid in his distribution, supporting the team to another shutout and a chance to advance out of the group stage.
His strong showing put him in contention to start in Seattle’s final group stage match against Necaxa on Sunday night.
“We know what he can bring us and he performed well in the game,” said Dutra. “He made some really good saves.”
The life of a backup goalkeeper isn’t easy. The inconsistent playing time can be challenging, but he's used this time as a chance to continue growing and learning in the game from his coaches and Frei.
“Patience is key,” said Thomas. “Frei is fantastic, and is arguably the best goalkeeper in the league, week in week out, and he's someone that I learned so much from.”
He continued, “I love training with [him]... I get to watch the things he does in a game whether that be positioning, organizing, all those little minor details that are hard to pick up from a TV screen, I get that firsthand.”
This mindset will be especially vital as he continues to play a larger role for the Sounders and accomplish his goal of contributing toward another trophy for the club.
“It can be a little tricky going from not playing to playing and getting that game sharpness, and that's why it's so important in training sessions and 11 aside scrimmages that we do, to try and get my feel for how the game is going to go so that when the game does come, I'm ready for it,” said Thomas.
Dutra is optimistic for what's to come for the London native.
“He's got a bright future.”
