Thomas Hasal (born July 9, 1999) is a Canadian professional soccer player who plays as a goalkeeper for Major League Soccer club Los Angeles FC.

Thomas Hasal
Personal information
Date of birth (1999-07-09) July 9, 1999 (age 25)
Place of birth Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
Height 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in)
Position(s) Goalkeeper
Team information
Current team
Los Angeles FC
Number 12
Youth career
2012 Aurora SC (Saskatchewan)
2013–2016 Whitecaps Saskatchewan Academy
2016–2018 Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2019–2023 Vancouver Whitecaps FC 34 (0)
2022–2023Whitecaps FC 2 (loan) 7 (0)
2024– Los Angeles FC 1 (0)
2024–Los Angeles FC 2 (loan) 3 (0)
International career
2016 Canada U18 1 (0)
2017–2018 Canada U20 5 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of September 21, 2024
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of February 18, 2020

Early life

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Born in Cambridge, Ontario, Hasal moved with his family to Ottawa when he was a year old, where he began playing soccer at age five.[1] He then moved to Calgary at age seven, Edmonton at age eight, and Saskatoon at age nine.[1] He played with youth club Aurora SC in Saskatchewan for a year, later joining the Whitecaps FC Saskatchewan Academy Centre in 2013, and also played for the Saskatchewan provincial team in 2014 and 2015.[2][3] In August 2016, he joined the Whitecaps Residency Academy and later joined the Vancouver Whitecaps FC U-23 developmental squad in 2018.[4][5] In 2016, he led the U19 team to the Academy Championship semi-finals.[6] In 2016 and 2017, he was named the Saskatchewan Soccer Association Male Youth Player of the Year.[7]

Club career

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Vancouver Whitecaps FC

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In March 2019, he signed a professional contract with Vancouver Whitecaps FC of Major League Soccer as a homegrown player through 2020, with club options for 2021 and 2022.[8][9] Initially serving as the third-string goalkeeper, he made his debut on July 19, 2020, coming on as a substitute against the Seattle Sounders FC, early in the second half of an MLS is Back Tournament group stage match after an injury to Maxime Crépeau.[10][11] He made his first start in the next match on July 23, keeping a clean sheet in a 2–0 victory.[12][13] He led the team to the Round of 16, where they were defeated in penalty kicks by Sporting Kansas City, following a 0–0 draw, with Hasal finishing the tournament with no goals against in regulation.[14][15] Despite the loss, he was named Man of the Match and was selected to the MLS Team of the Week.[16] After the tournament, he was named a finalist for the MLS is Back Tournament Golden Glove, Best XI, and Save of the Tournament.[17][18] Hasal would take over the starting role in Crépeau's absence, but would lose that role after suffering a fractured tibia and concussion, in September 2020.[19][20] Following the return of Crépeau, Hasal began the 2021 season in a backup role.[21][22]

In 2022, he extended his contract through the 2023 season, with club options for 2024 and 2025.[23][24] Following the trade of starter Maxime Crépeau, Hasal began the 2022 season as the Whitecaps' first-choice goalkeeper.[25][26][27] However, on May 8, he suffered a fractured finger, putting him out of action.[28] On June 25, he joined the second team Whitecaps FC 2 in MLS Next Pro in their match against San Jose Earthquakes II in his first game back.[29] After the 2023 season, Hasal's contract option for the 2024 season would be declined by the Whitecaps, ending his time with the club.[30]

Los Angeles FC

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On June 5, 2024, Hasal signed with Los Angeles FC through 2025 with an option for 2026.[31]

International career

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Hasal made his debut in the Canadian youth program in October 2016 when he was called up to the Canada U18 team.[1] In 2017, he was called up to the Canadian U20 team for a pair of friendly tournaments in January 2017,[32][33] where he saved a penalty against El Salvador.[34] He was then named to the roster for the 2017 CONCACAF U-20 Championship.[35][36] At the CONCACAF Championship, he played every minute in Canada's three matches.[37] He was then named to the roster for the 2018 CONCACAF U-20 Championship.[1] In January 2020, Hasal was named to a camp with the Canada U23 team,[38] before being named to the provisional roster for the 2020 CONCACAF Men's Olympic Qualifying Championship on February 26, 2020.[39]

In November 2022, he was called up to the Canada senior team for the first time, ahead of a friendly against Bahrain,[40][41] although he did not appear in the match.[42]

Personal life

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Hasal is of Czech descent; both his parents are first-generation emigrants from the Czech Republic.[43][44] His grandfather František was a goalkeeper and introduced Hasal to soccer.[14][45]

Career statistics

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As of September 21, 2024[46]
Club Season League Playoffs National cup Continental Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2020 MLS 9 0 1[a] 0 10 0
2021 7 0 0 0 0 0 7 0
2022 17 0 0 0 17 0
2023 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 3 0
Total 34 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 37 0
Whitecaps FC 2 2022 MLS Next Pro 3 0 3 0
2023 4 0 4 0
Total 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 0
Los Angeles FC 2024 MLS 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Los Angeles FC 2 (loan) 2024 MLS Next Pro 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
Career total 45 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 48 0
  1. ^ Knockout round of the MLS is Back Tournament.

Honours

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Vancouver Whitecaps FC

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Thomas Hasal at the Canadian Soccer Association
  2. ^ "Thomas Hasal VWFC profile". Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
  3. ^ Bogert, Tom (March 7, 2019). "Vancouver Whitecaps sign goalkeeper Thomas Hasal to Homegrown deal". Major League Soccer.
  4. ^ "Whitecaps FC add Homegrown goalkeeper Thomas Hasal to MLS roster". Vancouver Whitecaps FC. March 7, 2019.
  5. ^ "Whitecaps Sign Homegrown Keeper Thomas Hasal". Eighty Six Forever. March 7, 2019.
  6. ^ Veth, Manuel (March 7, 2019). "Vancouver Whitecaps sign talented goalkeeper Thomas Hasal". Pro Soccer USA. Archived from the original on November 2, 2019.
  7. ^ "Vancouver Whitecaps sign Saskatoon-raised goalkeeper Thomas Hasal". The StarPhoenix. March 7, 2019.
  8. ^ Piller, Thomas (March 7, 2019). "Vancouver Whitecaps FC sign Saskatoon goalkeeper Thomas Hasal". Global News.
  9. ^ "Vancouver Whitecaps sign Canadian goalkeeper Thomas Hasal". Toronto Star. March 7, 2019.
  10. ^ Shield, David (August 4, 2020). "20-year-old Saskatoon goalkeeper Thomas Hasal wows crowds in Major League Soccer debut". CBC Sports.
  11. ^ Sigal, Jonathan (July 25, 2020). "Vancouver Whitecaps GK Thomas Hasal will be "one of the best in MLS", says Ali Adnan". Major League Soccer.
  12. ^ "Thomas Hasal: Vancouver Whitecaps 21-year-old third-string goalkeeper stars at MLS is Back". Major League Soccer. July 27, 2020.
  13. ^ Gangué-Ruzic, Alexandre (August 7, 2020). "MiB Statistical Snapshots: Is Thomas Hasal now a backup goalkeeper option for the Vancouver Whitecaps?". BTS Vancouver.
  14. ^ a b Ocampo, Piccolo (July 27, 2020). "Saskatchewan's own: How Thomas Hasal is defined by his home". Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
  15. ^ Boehm, Charles (July 27, 2020). "Thomas Hasal, Vancouver Whitecaps FC's new Saskatoon star". Major League Soccer.
  16. ^ Lalande, Charles (August 5, 2020). "Tournoi de relance de la MLS : l'occasion inespérée de Thomas Hasal" [MLS is Back Tournament: the unexpected opportunity for Thomas Hasal]. Ici Radio-Canada Télé.
  17. ^ "Hasal named finalist for MLS is Back Tournament awards, including Golden Glove, Best XI, and Save of the Tournament". Vancouver Whitecaps FC. August 10, 2020.
  18. ^ "TFC' Akinola, Whitecaps' Hasal up for MLS tournament awards". TSN. August 10, 2020.
  19. ^ "Veteran MLS goalkeeper Evan Bush stays in Canada with trade to Whitecaps". CBC Sports. September 28, 2020.
  20. ^ Karstens-Smith, Gemma (March 5, 2022). "Hasal steady in Vancouver net as Whitecaps battle to scoreless draw in home opener". CTV News.
  21. ^ Wilkins, Caleb (July 28, 2021). "Thomas Hasal Should Play More". Eighty Six Forever.
  22. ^ Johal, Harjeet (September 3, 2021). "Whitecaps FC look to Hasal, Austin FC". Har Journalist Sports Media.
  23. ^ Jacques, John (February 22, 2022). "Whitecaps Extend Hasal Contract". Northern Tribune.
  24. ^ "Whitecaps extend starting goalkeeper Thomas Hasal through 2023". Sportsnet. February 22, 2022.
  25. ^ Jacques, John (January 20, 2022). "Nef: Hasal To Take Number One Spot For Whitecaps". Northern Tribune.
  26. ^ Sorokan, Keenan (February 25, 2022). "Saskatoon's Thomas Hasal thrust into starring role with Whitecaps FC". CTV News.
  27. ^ Smith, Chris. "Vanni Sartini backs Thomas Hasal to step up Vancouver Whitecaps starting GK". 90min.
  28. ^ Morris, Jim (August 19, 2022). "Goalkeeper Thomas Hasal thrilled to return for Whitecaps playoff drive". The Province.
  29. ^ Johal, Harjeet (June 25, 2022). "Whitecaps Hasal won't point any fingers". Har Journalist Sports Media.
  30. ^ "Vancouver Whitecaps FC announce 2024 roster updates". Vancouver Whitecaps FC. November 10, 2023.
  31. ^ "LAFC Signs Goalkeeper Thomas Hasal". Major League Soccer. June 5, 2024. Retrieved June 5, 2024.
  32. ^ "Kadin Chung and Thomas Hasal Called up to Canada U-20". Our Sports Central. January 11, 2017.
  33. ^ "Kadin Chung and Thomas Hasal Again Called up to Canada". Our Sports Central. January 27, 2017.
  34. ^ Devji, Farhan (March 20, 2017). "Saskatoon's Finest: Levis, Hasal honoured by Saskatchewan Soccer Association". Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
  35. ^ "'It's up to us:' Saskatoon's Thomas Hasal joins Canada's national Under-20 team". CJME. February 17, 2017.
  36. ^ Hendrickson, Nic (February 9, 2017). "Vancouver Whitecaps Kadin Chung and Thomas Hasal Called Up To Canada U-20 Team". Last Word on Sports.
  37. ^ McColl, Michael (June 21, 2017). "Residency Week 2017: A promising future awaits Thomas Hasal, the latest Whitecaps keeper to catch the eye". Away from the Numbers.
  38. ^ "Alphonso Davies and Thomas Hasal called up to the Canada U-23 camp in preparation for Tokyo 2020 Olympics". Vancouver Whitecaps FC. January 9, 2018.
  39. ^ "Thomas Hasal named to Canada Soccer Provisional List for Concacaf Men's Olympic Qualifying". Saskatchewan Soccer Association. February 26, 2020.
  40. ^ "Thomas Hasal called up to Canada's men's national team for pre-World Cup training camp in Bahrain". Vancouver Whitecaps FC. November 7, 2022.
  41. ^ "Hasal embraces opportunities for club and country". Vancouver Whitecaps FC. November 7, 2022.
  42. ^ Rice, Michael (January 20, 2023). "Thomas Hasal On The Start Of Preseason With The Whitecaps". Northern Tribune.
  43. ^ Piller, Thomas (May 15, 2020). "Vancouver Whitecaps goalkeeper honing skills back home in Saskatchewan". Global News.
  44. ^ "Getting to know, presented by GE Appliances: Thomas Hasal". Vancouver Whitecaps FC. July 21, 2020.
  45. ^ Pentz, Matt (August 6, 2020). "'Saskatoon Schmiechel': Thomas Hasal's breakout game was a reminder of his roots". The Athletic.
  46. ^ Thomas Hasal at Soccerway
  47. ^ "Vancouver Whitecaps FC win the 2023 Canadian Championship". Canada Soccer. June 8, 2023. Retrieved June 8, 2023.
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