GORDON WILLIAMS, Contributor

Shavar Thomas ... now considered one of the best defenders in the MLS. - ricardo makyn

Jamaica international Shavar Thomas shrugged off early uncertainty to complete a solid season in United States Major League Soccer, and his name is now being whispered among those considered the best defenders in the MLS.

COMFORT ZONE

And although he is not quite ready to call it home, the burly central defender is hoping that after his first season with California-based Chivas USA, Thomas' latest stop during a five-year roller coaster career, he has finally established himself as a cornerstone player in the MLS - and found a comfort zone.

"I would think so," explained the 26-year-old, who joined Chivas late, but started all 25 games he played for the club in 2007, including two in the playoffs. "That would be a yes for me."

Yet few could blame Thomas if he was far less confident at the start of this year's MLS campaign.

The man who captained Jamaica at the under-20 FIFA World Youth Championships and made his senior team Reggae Boyz debut at age 20 was already linked with three different MLS teams before Chivas. The latest omen of instability popped up when he was traded from the Kansas City Wizards to the Los Angeles Galaxy prior to the 2007 season, then shipped to Chivas before he had a chance to play an MLS game for the Galaxy.

Fortunately for Thomas, Chivas embraced him from the beginning. Preki, who was eventually named MLS 'Coach of the Year', assured Thomas that he was no longer trade bait. The coach also encouraged him to assert himself.

THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX

"Preki allows every player to do what he does and more," said Thomas, "to express yourself and to think outside the box."

Then Preki paired Thomas with legendary Mexican Claudio Suarez to form the core of one of the league's stingiest defences. Chivas allowed just 28 goals in 30 regular season games, second best in the MLS. Meanwhile, the last two teams which cast him away floundered badly. The Galaxy (48) and the Wizards (45) conceded the second and third most goals in 2007. The Jamaican's contribution has not gone unnoticed.

"Thomas has been nothing short of spectacular with Chivas USA this season", reported MLS.com.

Preki told the website that "Shavar has been a great piece that we found."

With Suarez rumoured to be on his way to retirement, Thomas anticipates a more influential role with the club, a right he believes he earned following an impressive season.

"I would think so, most definitely," the former Excelsior High star said. "I would have to show more responsibility."

MENTAL LEAP

While the Galaxy-to-Chivas trade did not move Thomas far geographically - the clubs share home stadium - the mental leap was decisive. As Preki's guidance allowed Thomas to shine as a player, the California weather offered a sweet reminder of his homeland. Chivas fans - a huge, passionate, knowledgeable primarily Spanish-Mexican crowd - made him feel welcome too. If Suarez is king, Thomas is an adopted prince.

"It's amazing for me," he said. "The response I get from them is great."

Unless some European club swoops in and carts him off to a better league, Thomas can look forward to at least a couple more seasons at Chivas USA.

"The focus is on Chivas," he said. "I am happy here."

Just not ready to get too comfortable. Not just yet. Past experiences have taught him well. After spending three seasons with the Wizards, he was ready to settle there too. until the reality of life as a pro greeted him rudely.

"I thought I had found a home in Kansas City," Thomas said with a hearty laugh.

At least he has learned to enjoy the roller coaster.

Gordon Williams is a Jamaican journalist based in the United States.