Connecticut United FC 2 has made a landmark appointment by naming former Jamaican international defender Shavar Thomas as their inaugural head coach ahead of the club’s 2026 MLS NEXT Pro debut. The 44-year-old football pioneer brings exceptional credentials to the newly formed franchise, becoming the first head coach in the team’s history since its establishment in 2022.
Thomas boasts an impressive football pedigree that uniquely positions him for this pioneering role. His extensive playing career spanned from 1999 to 2012, during which he earned 52 caps for the Jamaican national team while serving as captain of the Reggae Boyz. His professional journey included significant spells with multiple Major League Soccer clubs, including Los Angeles Galaxy, Philadelphia Union, Chivas USA, FC Dallas, and Montreal Impact.
The Jamaican’s connection to Connecticut runs deep, having previously attended the University of Connecticut where he played for the Huskies. His collegiate performance earned him the number 10 selection in the 2003 MLS Draft by Dallas Burn, launching his professional career.
Beyond his playing accomplishments, Thomas has established himself as a proven tactical leader in the coaching realm. He previously guided Portmore United to consecutive Jamaican Premier League championships in 2018 and 2019, additionally securing the Caribbean Club Champion title in 2019. Most recently, he helmed the national team of Turks and Caicos, further expanding his international coaching experience.
Thomas’s appointment represents a strategic move for Connecticut United FC 2 as they build toward their inaugural MLS NEXT Pro season while advancing the organization’s broader ambition of eventually bringing Major League Soccer to the state of Connecticut.