HIGH POINT, N.C. (December 29, 2023) - Carolina Core FC, an independent club that will join MLS NEXT Pro in 2024, has signed 21 year old, Florida native, Kai Thomas.
“Kai is an experienced defender from FC Cincinnati of MLS NEXT Pro where he was the captain of the squad. He has a good physical presence and demonstrates good quality on the ball. We are content with the opportunity to have Kai as part of our team and look forward to his continued development and contribution to the club,” says Roy Lassiter.
Kai, the son of Roger Thomas, former Jamaican National Team player, and Laurie Thomas, former Florida International University player, began his soccer career at the age of 5 with the club his parents started, Soccer Academy & Training Florida (SAT Florida).
The defender developed his talents under many reputable club’s academies. At the age of 14, Kai traveled to Texas to join FC Dallas. From there, the defender played under the leadership of New York City FC Academy, Inter Miami CF Academy, Fort Lauderdale Academy, and FC Cincinnati Academy.
Kai debuted with FC Cincinnati 2 in MLS NEXT Pro during the 2022 season. The defender had a statement rookie season appearing in 24 matches (starting 23) and logging a staggering 83.6% accurate pass percentage.
Last season, Kai represented his squad as captain after only a year with the team. He appeared in 25 matches (starting 23) for FC Cincinnati, logging 1,982 minutes. The defender ended the season with a 86.1% accurate pass percentage and netting 2 goals.
"Kai brings a lot of experience to our club given how young he is. Additionally, his mom played in college and his dad played for the Jamaican National Team, so he has the game in his DNA. We are looking forward to helping Kai grow as a person and a player knowing that his ultimate goal is to make it to the next level," explains Eddie Pope, Chief Sporting Officer.
The defender will play his third season within the MLS NEXT Pro league with Carolina Core FC. His previous experience with FC Cincinnati 2 will be instrumental. Carolina Core FC will play their home matches at Truist Point Stadium in downtown High Point, North Carolina.
ABOUT Carolina Core FC
Founded in 2022, Carolina Core FC is an independent professional men’s soccer club that will begin play in MLS NEXT Pro in 2024. The club’s local owners are dedicated to community development through its on-field and off-field activities. Carolina Core FC has diligently worked behind the scenes to build together its experienced executive staff, including High Point Native, Eddie Pope as the Chief Sporting Officer. Eddie is a former U.S. Men’s National Team, MLS legend and USSF Hall of Famer. #CCFC will play its home matches in High Point, N.C. at Truist Point, the $38 million stadium located in the revitalized downtown social district. Supporters can join the club by securing a season seat and ordering Carolina Core FC merchandise at www.carolinacorefc.com.
