Austin FC sign D Riley Thomas to MLS deal

Field Level Media|published: 04/11/2025, 1:27pm EDT

Apr 6, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; General view of game balls on the field before the game between the San Jose Earthquakes and Austin FC at Q2 Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Austin FC on Friday signed defender Riley Thomas through the end of 2025 with options for 2026 and 2027.

Thomas, 23, also has a loan deal with MLS NEXT Pro side Austin FC II and remains eligible for matches there.

"I'm happy to sign an MLS contract with Austin FC," he said. "I already feel as though I have grown a lot as a player in the short time since I joined the Club and I'm grateful for all the support I've been given by the coaches, staff, and my teammates."

Thomas has been on Austin's bench for the past four MLS matches on a series of short-term agreements.

Austin selected Thomas in the second round (42nd overall) in December's MLS SuperDraft out of North Carolina.

--Field Level Media