CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Charleston Battery announced on Monday the club had signed Canadian U23 international Skylar Thomas for the 2017 season, pending league and federation approval.

Thomas was selected by Toronto FC with the 11th pick in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft, and signed with Toronto FC II, where he spent the past two seasons in the USL. A native of Ontario, Thomas made 47 appearances and scored four goals for the USL for the club.  

Prior to being drafted in 2015, Thomas spent four years at Syracuse University, where he was a two-time captain. Thomas started all 56 games during his career with the Orange, scoring eight goals and adding an assist while anchoring the back four. He also competed in the Premier Development League for Reading United SC in the 2014 season.

The 6-foot-5 center back has also seen action with the Canadian U20 and U18 National Teams, and in 2015 was part of Canada’s U23 squad for Olympic Qualifying as the side reached the knockout stage. 

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Throughout the 2017 preseason, Thomas and Forrest Lasso have been platooning alongside Taylor Mueller at the center back spot vacated by the retirement of former USL All-League selection Shawn Ferguson, who announced his retirement from professional soccer at the end of the 2016 season.

The Canadian newcomer joins a very experienced defensive corps that includes Quinton Griffith, O’Brian Woodbine, Mueller, and Lasso and is backed by goalkeeper Odisnel Cooper. The five Battery veterans have combined to make more than 400 appearances for the club, and will welcome a player of Thomas’ pedigree to the group.