Today, February 28, 2026, marks an exciting moment for Colorado Rapids 2 as they have officially signed defender Kai Thomas to a contract for the upcoming MLS NEXT Pro season. The announcement was made by the club earlier today, and the buzz surrounding Thomas is palpable.
Brian Crookham, the Director of Player Personnel, expressed his enthusiasm regarding this new addition to the team. At just 23 years old, Thomas comes with a wealth of experience from his time in MLS NEXT Pro, making him a valuable asset for the Rapids.
A Promising Career Path
Before joining Colorado Rapids 2, Thomas played two seasons with Carolina Core FC, where he made a significant impact on the field. During his tenure, the team achieved its first playoff appearance and secured an impressive eighth place in the league last year. Over his 47 matches with Carolina, Thomas started in 44, clocking in a total of 3,924 minutes. Not only did he contribute defensively, but he also scored one goal and provided two assists.
Earlier in his career, Thomas honed his skills at FC Cincinnati 2, where he had 49 appearances, starting in 46 of them. His leadership qualities shone through as he captained the team in 2023. His professional journey began with an impressive debut in Major League Soccer on September 21, 2022, during a Leagues Cup Showcase against Club Deportivo Guadalajara (Chivas).
Roots in Florida
Hailing from Doral, Florida, Thomas has deep familial ties to the sport of soccer. His father played for the Jamaican national team and Miami Fusion, while his mother showcased her talent at Florida International University (FIU). This soccer lineage undoubtedly fueled his passion for the game, which began at a young age at Soccer Academy & Training Florida (SAT Florida), a club founded by his parents. Thomas also participated in several prestigious academy programs, including FC Dallas Academy, New York City FC Academy, Inter Miami CF Academy, Fort Lauderdale Academy, and FC Cincinnati Academy.
With his recent signing, the Colorado Rapids 2 have secured a promising player who is not only versatile on the field but also brings a rich background in soccer that traces back to his upbringing in Florida. You can read more about this exciting transaction here.
As the new season approaches, fans can look forward to watching Kai Thomas develop and contribute to the Colorado Rapids 2’s journey in MLS NEXT Pro. With his experience and skill set, Thomas is sure to be a player to watch in the upcoming matches.