Elvis Thomas
Encyclopedia
Elvis Thomas is a former Canadian
soccer player.
He spent the majority of his soccer career in North America
, primarily playing for clubs in Canada
. Thomas' greatest achievements were spent with the Toronto Lynx
, and the Toronto Olympians, where he won a league title and two Open Canada Cup
s with the Olympians; he was also awarded the Canadian Professional Soccer League MVP Award
.
Internationally, Thomas has represented Canada at the senior level, by being capped a total of three times. He holds the distinction of being first CPSL player to be called up for the national team, while playing in the league.
. During his four year tenure at Hartford Thomas' accomplishments were being named All-New England and First Team All-Conference in 1993 and 1994, and serving captain in both those seasons. Also helped the Hawks earn a spot on the All-Conference Championship postseason team in 1991, 1992, and 1994. He was the Championship MVP in 1992. Upon graduating from Hartford Thomas was drafted by the Connecticut Wolves
of the USISL Select League
in 1996.
The following season the USISL Select League merged with the A-League
, which resulted in Thomas returning to his hometown to sign with the newly expansion franchise Toronto Lynx
. The signing of Thomas was announced in a press conference where the Lynx unveiled their roster for their debut season.
Thomas made his debut on April 12, 1997 in a match against Jacksonville Cyclones
, where he made history by scoring the franchise's first goal; unfortunately the match ended in 3-1 defeat. On May 3 Thomas in a match against the Worcester Wildfire Thomas contributed by scoring the second goal in a 3-1 victory, which marked the first victory for the Toronto side. Thomas would continue his fine form by recording another goal in a 3-0 victory over the Richmond Kickers
on May 11. He helped the Lynx to set a franchise and A-league record of ten straight wins; their streak came to an end with a 1-0 defeat to Long Island Rough Riders
on June 22. He finished his rookie season with six goals that helped the Lynx clinch a playoff spot. During the club's playoff run Thomas started in the first leg of the semi-final match against the Montreal Impact
where the Lynx were defeated 2-1. Unfortunately for the Lynx they were defeated 4-0 in the second leg of the semi-final match, which resulted in a 6-1 victory on aggregate for Montreal. In 1998 Thomas recorded his first goal of the season in a 2-1 defeat to his former club Connecticut. On August 26 the Toronto Lynx traded Thomas to rivals Montreal Impact for future considerations and an undisclosed amount of cash. In Montreal Thomas appeared in only three matches and led the Impact to the Conference Semi-finals.
Thomas left Montreal in September 1999, when new ownership opted against fielding an outdoor squad in order to properly prepare for the 1999-2000 indoor season. Resulting in Thomas to sign with the Toronto Olympians of the Canadian Professional Soccer League. He made his debut on June 6, 1999 against York Region Shooters where he even managed to score two goals in a 7-1 victory. During the 1999 season, he was instrumental in leading his club to the Treble
, and setting a league record by becoming the first CPSL franchise to finish the season undefeated. The season was productive for Thomas, as he scored 25 goals in all competitions. In doing so he led the Olympians to their first Rogers Cup
triumph, where he scored the opening goal in a 2-0 victory over Toronto Croatia
on October 2 in the CPSL playoff finals match. Thomas was even further in instrumental during Toronto's quest to claim their second consecutive Open Canada Cup
. In the tournament Thomas contributed by registering five goals that led the Scarborough
side to the finals, where their opponents were Toronto Croatia. During the finals the Olympians were leading the match with a one goal lead, until Thomas struck two stunning goals to allow the match to culminate to a 3-0 victory. Once the season came to a conclusion Thomas was named the CPSL MVP Award
. Due to a sensational debut season he received his first cap
for the national side
and was part of the winning team in the 2000 CONCACAF Gold Cup
.
During the 2000 season, Thomas was again instrumental in Toronto's exceptionally successful campaign; together with the likes of Gus Kouzmanis, Eddy Berdusco
, and Darren Tilley
, Thomas led the Olympians to a 10 game undefeated streak, as well as claiming the Open Canada Cup in the process. The victory in claiming the Open Cup marked the first time in league history a club winning the trophy three consecutive years in a row. Thomas was responsible for scoring the lone goal that clinch the title for the Scarborough based club, in a 1-0 victory over St. Catharines Roma Wolves. Thomas finished the season with nine goals placing him third in most goals scored for the Olympians. Though he did manage to led his team to the playoff finals, unfortunately they were defeated by Toronto Croatia by a score of 2-1.
Shortly after the season Thomas announced a leave of absence in order to pursue a career in teaching. He made his return to soccer a year later when he returned to the A-League to sign with his former club Toronto Lynx. Thomas was signed on April 20, 2002 in a press conference held by the Lynx. He scored his first goal of the season on April 27, 2002 in a 2-1 victory over Hampton Roads Mariners. He nearly helped the Lynx make the playoffs, where the Lynx required a victory in the final game of season against Atlanta Silverbacks
, but unfortunately the match resulted in a tie for the Lynx, which allowed Charlotte Eagles
to clinch the final playoff berth. On March 18, 2003 the Toronto Lynx re-signed Thomas to a one year contract. Thomas concluded the season with two goals, but unfortunately the Lynx failed to reach the post season for the third year straight. As his contract expired at the end of 2003 season, Thomas announced his retirement from professional soccer in order to continue on teaching. In 2006 it was announced that Thomas was inducted into the University of Hartford Hall of Fame.
in an October 1999 CONCACAF Gold Cup
qualification match against Haiti
and went on to earn a total of 3 caps, scoring no goals. He was in Canada's title-winning squad at the 2000 CONCACAF Gold Cup
, but did not play himself. His final international was a January 2000 friendly match against Bermuda
.
as an English teacher.
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
soccer player.
He spent the majority of his soccer career in North America
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
, primarily playing for clubs in Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
. Thomas' greatest achievements were spent with the Toronto Lynx
Toronto Lynx
Toronto Lynx is a Canadian soccer team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Founded in 1997, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Great Lakes Division of the Central Conference....
, and the Toronto Olympians, where he won a league title and two Open Canada Cup
Open Canada Cup
The Open Canada Cup was a Canadian soccer competition, similar in concept to tournaments such as the English FA Cup, the Coppa Italia, and the US Open Cup. The competition was held starting with the CSL's first season in 1998 until 2007....
s with the Olympians; he was also awarded the Canadian Professional Soccer League MVP Award
Canadian Soccer League MVP Award
The Canadian Soccer League MVP Award is a football award for Canadian Soccer League in Canada. The award is given to the player deemed the most valuable player in the league in any given season....
.
Internationally, Thomas has represented Canada at the senior level, by being capped a total of three times. He holds the distinction of being first CPSL player to be called up for the national team, while playing in the league.
Club career
Thomas began playing soccer during his tenure at the University of HartfordUniversity of Hartford
The University of Hartford is a private, independent, nonsectarian, coeducational university located in West Hartford, Connecticut. The degree programs at the University of Hartford hold the highest levels of accreditation available in the US, including the Engineering Accreditation Commission of...
. During his four year tenure at Hartford Thomas' accomplishments were being named All-New England and First Team All-Conference in 1993 and 1994, and serving captain in both those seasons. Also helped the Hawks earn a spot on the All-Conference Championship postseason team in 1991, 1992, and 1994. He was the Championship MVP in 1992. Upon graduating from Hartford Thomas was drafted by the Connecticut Wolves
Connecticut Wolves
The Connecticut Wolves were a soccer club that competed in the United Soccer Leagues from 1993 to 2002. Based in New Britain, Connecticut, and playing in Veteran's Stadium, the club started in the D-3 Pro League before moving to the A-League in 1997.-History:...
of the USISL Select League
USISL Select League
The USISL Select League was a professional men's soccer league which featured teams from the United States, which existed for just one year in 1996...
in 1996.
The following season the USISL Select League merged with the A-League
A-League (1995–2004)
The A-League was a professional men's soccer league which featured teams from both the United States and Canada. The A-League emerged out of the restructured American Professional Soccer League in 1995 and operated until 2004, after which it was re-branded the USL First Division...
, which resulted in Thomas returning to his hometown to sign with the newly expansion franchise Toronto Lynx
Toronto Lynx
Toronto Lynx is a Canadian soccer team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Founded in 1997, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Great Lakes Division of the Central Conference....
. The signing of Thomas was announced in a press conference where the Lynx unveiled their roster for their debut season.
Thomas made his debut on April 12, 1997 in a match against Jacksonville Cyclones
Jacksonville Cyclones
The Jacksonville Cyclones are a now-defunct USL A-League soccer team, based in Jacksonville, Florida, that formed in 1995. The team folded in 1999 shortly after the death of their manager Dennis Viollet, the former Manchester United and England striker....
, where he made history by scoring the franchise's first goal; unfortunately the match ended in 3-1 defeat. On May 3 Thomas in a match against the Worcester Wildfire Thomas contributed by scoring the second goal in a 3-1 victory, which marked the first victory for the Toronto side. Thomas would continue his fine form by recording another goal in a 3-0 victory over the Richmond Kickers
Richmond Kickers
The Richmond Kickers are an American professional soccer club based in Richmond, Virginia, United States. Founded in 1993, the team plays in the American Division of the USL Professional Division, the third tier of the American Soccer Pyramid...
on May 11. He helped the Lynx to set a franchise and A-league record of ten straight wins; their streak came to an end with a 1-0 defeat to Long Island Rough Riders
Long Island Rough Riders
Long Island Rough Riders is an American soccer team based in South Huntington, New York, United States. Founded in 1994, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Mid Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference.The team plays its...
on June 22. He finished his rookie season with six goals that helped the Lynx clinch a playoff spot. During the club's playoff run Thomas started in the first leg of the semi-final match against the Montreal Impact
Montreal Impact
Montreal Impact was a Canadian professional soccer club based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Founded in 1992, the team played in the North American Soccer League , the second tier of the American Soccer Pyramid until the 2011 season. The owner Joey Saputo now operates the MLS team Montreal ImpactThe...
where the Lynx were defeated 2-1. Unfortunately for the Lynx they were defeated 4-0 in the second leg of the semi-final match, which resulted in a 6-1 victory on aggregate for Montreal. In 1998 Thomas recorded his first goal of the season in a 2-1 defeat to his former club Connecticut. On August 26 the Toronto Lynx traded Thomas to rivals Montreal Impact for future considerations and an undisclosed amount of cash. In Montreal Thomas appeared in only three matches and led the Impact to the Conference Semi-finals.
Thomas left Montreal in September 1999, when new ownership opted against fielding an outdoor squad in order to properly prepare for the 1999-2000 indoor season. Resulting in Thomas to sign with the Toronto Olympians of the Canadian Professional Soccer League. He made his debut on June 6, 1999 against York Region Shooters where he even managed to score two goals in a 7-1 victory. During the 1999 season, he was instrumental in leading his club to the Treble
The Treble
The term treble or Treble is used in association football to refer to a team winning three trophies in a single season. Honours usually considered to contribute to a treble are the top-tier domestic league competition, domestic cup competitions, and continental tournaments; although this depends to...
, and setting a league record by becoming the first CPSL franchise to finish the season undefeated. The season was productive for Thomas, as he scored 25 goals in all competitions. In doing so he led the Olympians to their first Rogers Cup
Rogers Cup (soccer)
The Canadian Soccer League championship final is the final play-off game of the Canadian Soccer League and its predecessor the Canadian Professional Soccer League...
triumph, where he scored the opening goal in a 2-0 victory over Toronto Croatia
Toronto Croatia
C.N.S.C. Toronto Croatia is a Canadian soccer team, founded in 1956. The team is a member of the Canadian Soccer League, the highest level soccer league in Canada, and play in the International Division....
on October 2 in the CPSL playoff finals match. Thomas was even further in instrumental during Toronto's quest to claim their second consecutive Open Canada Cup
Open Canada Cup
The Open Canada Cup was a Canadian soccer competition, similar in concept to tournaments such as the English FA Cup, the Coppa Italia, and the US Open Cup. The competition was held starting with the CSL's first season in 1998 until 2007....
. In the tournament Thomas contributed by registering five goals that led the Scarborough
Scarborough, Ontario
Scarborough is a dissolved municipality within the city of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Geographically, it comprises the eastern part of Toronto. It is bordered on the south by Lake Ontario, on the west by Victoria Park Avenue, on the north by Steeles Avenue East, and on the east by the Rouge River...
side to the finals, where their opponents were Toronto Croatia. During the finals the Olympians were leading the match with a one goal lead, until Thomas struck two stunning goals to allow the match to culminate to a 3-0 victory. Once the season came to a conclusion Thomas was named the CPSL MVP Award
Canadian Soccer League MVP Award
The Canadian Soccer League MVP Award is a football award for Canadian Soccer League in Canada. The award is given to the player deemed the most valuable player in the league in any given season....
. Due to a sensational debut season he received his first cap
Cap (sport)
In sports, a cap is a metaphorical term for a player's appearance on a select team, such as a national team. The term dates from the practice in the United Kingdom of awarding a cap to every player in an international match of association football...
for the national side
Canada men's national soccer team
The Canada men's national soccer team represents Canada in international soccer competitions at the senior men's level. They are overseen by the Canadian Soccer Association and compete in the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football .Their most significant...
and was part of the winning team in the 2000 CONCACAF Gold Cup
2000 CONCACAF Gold Cup
The 2000 CONCACAF Gold Cup was the fifth edition of the Gold Cup, the football championship of North America, Central America and the Caribbean . It was held in the United States, in Los Angeles, Miami, and San Diego. The format of the tournament changed from 1998; it was expanded to twelve teams,...
.
During the 2000 season, Thomas was again instrumental in Toronto's exceptionally successful campaign; together with the likes of Gus Kouzmanis, Eddy Berdusco
Eddy Berdusco
Eddy Berdusco is a retired professional footballer from Canada.-Club career:The son of Italian immigrants, Berdusco was the original Canadian Soccer League's 3rd all-time highest goal scorer with 54 from 1988 through 1992 as a member of North York Rockets...
, and Darren Tilley
Darren Tilley
Darren Tilley is an English football coach for USL-1 club Rochester Rhinos.-Playing career:Tilley played for York City F.C. in the English Third Division from 1991-1993. In 1997, Tilley began the season with the Toronto Lynx before being traded to the Montreal Impact...
, Thomas led the Olympians to a 10 game undefeated streak, as well as claiming the Open Canada Cup in the process. The victory in claiming the Open Cup marked the first time in league history a club winning the trophy three consecutive years in a row. Thomas was responsible for scoring the lone goal that clinch the title for the Scarborough based club, in a 1-0 victory over St. Catharines Roma Wolves. Thomas finished the season with nine goals placing him third in most goals scored for the Olympians. Though he did manage to led his team to the playoff finals, unfortunately they were defeated by Toronto Croatia by a score of 2-1.
Shortly after the season Thomas announced a leave of absence in order to pursue a career in teaching. He made his return to soccer a year later when he returned to the A-League to sign with his former club Toronto Lynx. Thomas was signed on April 20, 2002 in a press conference held by the Lynx. He scored his first goal of the season on April 27, 2002 in a 2-1 victory over Hampton Roads Mariners. He nearly helped the Lynx make the playoffs, where the Lynx required a victory in the final game of season against Atlanta Silverbacks
Atlanta Silverbacks
Atlanta Silverbacks is an American professional soccer team based in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. Founded in 1995, the team plays in the North American Soccer League , the second tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, having previously sat out the 2009 and 2010 seasons while the ownership...
, but unfortunately the match resulted in a tie for the Lynx, which allowed Charlotte Eagles
Charlotte Eagles
Charlotte Eagles is an American professional soccer team based in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States. Founded in 1991, the team plays in the American Division of the new USL Professional Division, the third tier of the American Soccer Pyramid....
to clinch the final playoff berth. On March 18, 2003 the Toronto Lynx re-signed Thomas to a one year contract. Thomas concluded the season with two goals, but unfortunately the Lynx failed to reach the post season for the third year straight. As his contract expired at the end of 2003 season, Thomas announced his retirement from professional soccer in order to continue on teaching. In 2006 it was announced that Thomas was inducted into the University of Hartford Hall of Fame.
International career
He made his debut for CanadaCanada men's national soccer team
The Canada men's national soccer team represents Canada in international soccer competitions at the senior men's level. They are overseen by the Canadian Soccer Association and compete in the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football .Their most significant...
in an October 1999 CONCACAF Gold Cup
CONCACAF Gold Cup
The CONCACAF Gold Cup is the main association football competition of the men's national football teams governed by CONCACAF, determining the regional champion of North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.The Gold Cup is held every two years and when it does not fall the same year as an...
qualification match against Haiti
Haiti national football team
The Haiti national football team represents Haiti in association football and is controlled by the Fédération Haïtienne de Football, the governing body for football in Haiti. Haiti's home ground is Stade Sylvio Cator in Port-au-Prince and their head coach is Edson Tavares...
and went on to earn a total of 3 caps, scoring no goals. He was in Canada's title-winning squad at the 2000 CONCACAF Gold Cup
2000 CONCACAF Gold Cup
The 2000 CONCACAF Gold Cup was the fifth edition of the Gold Cup, the football championship of North America, Central America and the Caribbean . It was held in the United States, in Los Angeles, Miami, and San Diego. The format of the tournament changed from 1998; it was expanded to twelve teams,...
, but did not play himself. His final international was a January 2000 friendly match against Bermuda
Bermuda national football team
The Bermuda national football team is the national team of Bermuda and is controlled by the Bermuda Football Association. A member of CONCACAF, it is not among its strongest teams....
.
Coaching career
He now works for Neil McNeil Catholic Secondary SchoolNeil McNeil Catholic Secondary School
Neil McNeil Catholic Secondary School is a private, all-boys Roman Catholic secondary school of the Toronto Catholic District School Board in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Neil McNeil is one of 31 high schools run by the TCDSB and one of four all-boys schools, and currently has an enrollment of 811...
as an English teacher.
Toronto Olympians
- Rogers CupRogers Cup (soccer)The Canadian Soccer League championship final is the final play-off game of the Canadian Soccer League and its predecessor the Canadian Professional Soccer League...
(1): 1999 - Open Canada CupOpen Canada CupThe Open Canada Cup was a Canadian soccer competition, similar in concept to tournaments such as the English FA Cup, the Coppa Italia, and the US Open Cup. The competition was held starting with the CSL's first season in 1998 until 2007....
(2): 1999, 2000 - Canadian Professional Soccer League Regular Season Champions (2): 1999, 2000
External links
- Player profile - CanadaSoccer
- Career stats - National Football Teams