The Seattle Sounders’ crowded organizational goalkeeper depth chart got a little less complicated when they announced that Andrew Thomas was being loaned to USL-Championship side New Mexico United on Friday. Although he was one of four goalkeepers signed to a first-team contract, Thomas had started 15 games for Tacoma Defiance.
He has posted three shutouts and has a 1.27 goals against average. Thomas also ranks sixth best among MLS Next Pro goalkeepers who have played at least 1,000 minutes having allowed 1.96 fewer goals than post-shot xG models suggest he should have.
“We see this as a great opportunity for Andrew to get more meaningful minutes with a good club in an alternative environment,” Sounders General Manager Craig Waibel said in a team release. “He has performed well for Defiance, and we’re excited to see him contribute during the homestretch of New Mexico’s season before bringing him back to Seattle.”
The Sounders are apparently looking to test Thomas at a higher-level as he’ll likely be in contention for the backup spot next season. New Mexico currently sits in ninth place of the Western Conference, two points behind the final playoff spot. He’ll likely be competing with Alexandros Tabakis for the starting spot.
