MLS Toronto FC

Jarrod Smith Selected By Seattle In 2008 Expansion Draft

November 26, 2008 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Toronto FC News Release


Major League Soccer held its 2008 Expansion Draft for Seattle Sounders FC on Wednesday, with the team selecting 10 players that will assist them in putting together a roster for their first season of play beginning in March 2009. Among their selections was Toronto FC midfielder/forward Jarrod Smith.

Smith, 24, was selected by Toronto in the 2007 MLS Supplemental Draft 1st overall, but played in 2007 in his native New Zealand for Hawke's Bay United. He joined Toronto FC in March 2008 on a developmental contract and was promoted to the senior roster in June after making an impressive start to the season.

Smith appeared in 20 games - 6 of those as a starter. He finished the season with 1 goal, logging 728 minutes. Smith scored on his MLS debut in Toronto's 3-2 win at Los Angeles Galaxy on April 13, 2008.

"You have to deal with the Expansion Draft and prepare to lose a player," said Director of Soccer Mo Johnston. "We are sad to see Jarrod go and we wish him all the best for his future in Seattle."

Smith attended West Virginia University and was a member of the Mountaineers all four seasons, competing in the 2005 and 2006 NCAA Men's Soccer Championship tournaments. In four seasons he compiled 32 goals in 74 appearances. His best season with the Mountaineers was his senior year where he scored a career high 14 goals in just 16 games.

The forward has made his mark internationally and made his debut for the New Zealand Men's National Team against Malaysia on February 23, 2006.

The Sounders selected one player each from 10 of the 14 MLS teams. Each team was allowed to protect 11 players.

Below is the complete list of players selected in the 2008 MLS Expansion Draft.

Nate Jaqua (Houston Dynamo)

Nathan Sturgis (Real Salt Lake)

Jeff Parke (New York Red Bulls)

Jarrod Smith (Toronto FC)

Khano Smith (New England Revolution)

Peter Vagenas (Los Angeles Galaxy)

Tyson Wahl (Kansas City Wizards)

James Riley (New England Revolution)

Stephen King (Chicago Fire)

Brad Evans (Columbus Crew)

Seattle Sounders FC, Major League Soccer's 15th team, will begin play in the Western Conference in the 2009 season at Qwest Field.

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Major League Soccer Stories from November 26, 2008


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