COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (Monday, January 7, 2013) – The Colorado Rapids announced on Monday that the club has re-signed midfielder Hendry Thomas, who joined the Rapids in August of 2012 and played in the team’s final eight games of the season, to a new contract. Per league and team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“In just a short time with the Rapids, we’ve already had a chance to see Hendry’s quality, both in winning the ball and keeping possession,” said Paul Bravo, the Rapids Technical Director. “For his play on the field and presence in the locker room, signing Hendry to a more long-term deal was an offseason priority, and we’re pleased to have him with us for 2013 and beyond.”

“I'm very happy here in Colorado, and pleased that we were able to come to an agreement for me to stay with the Rapids,” said Thomas. “I'm grateful to the coaching staff, my teammates, and the fans for the support they have given me since I arrived. Now we’ll continue working and improving this season so we can be part of the playoffs at the end of the year.”

MORE: Players nickname Thomas, "El Patrón"

Thomas, 27, signed with the Rapids on August 21, 2012, and made his MLS debut 10 days later at the Portland Timbers. He played the team’s final eight matches, playing the full 90 minutes in seven, and establishing himself as a presence in central midfield.

A native of La Ceiba, Honduras, Thomas came to Colorado after three seasons in the English Premier League with Wigan Athletic, where he played under manager Roberto Martinez. He played 49 Premier League matches, and made several appearances in FA Cup and Carling Cup action. Thomas began his career with Club Deportivo Olimpia of Tegucigalpa, Honduras, winning seven championships in eight years and 16 tournaments with the club (the Honduran league has two seasons per calendar year).

With the Honduran National Team, Thomas has been a fixture at marquee tournaments, playing in two matches at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and captaining Honduras as one of three over-age players at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. He was in the Honduran squad for the last four CONCACAF Gold Cups, the biennial championship tournament for North America, Central America and the Caribbean.

The Rapids will start preseason on January 17, and are set to participate in the Desert Friendlies presented by Tucson FC and the Las Vegas ProSoccer Challenge against Chivas USA on February 15 as part of their preparations. To purchase season tickets for the Rapids’ 2013 campaign, call 303-825-GOAL or CLICK HERE for more information.