
John Smits Earns NASL Golden Glove Award
November 13, 2014 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
FC Edmonton News Release
EDMONTON, AB (November 13, 2014) - After posting the lowest goals against average (GAA) among North American Soccer League (NASL) goalkeepers, FC Edmonton's John Smits has won the 2014 NASL Golden Glove Award.
Finishing the year with a 0.90 GAA, Smits, a native of Mississauga, Ontario, narrowly edged New York Cosmos goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer, who posted a mark of 0.91.
"This season, it was all about taking it one game at a time, developing good habits, and playing for all three points," said Smits. "This award is really just a byproduct of all the hard work that everyone on the team has put in this year."
With 15 matches as the requirement to qualify for the Golden Glove Award, Smits started and played in 20 of the Eddies' 27 matches this year. The Canadian posted a record of six wins, five draws, and nine losses, while earning six clean sheets and compiling 62 total saves.
Smits' overall performance was a key factor in FC Edmonton's late-season push for a spot in the postseason. The Eddies only lost two of their final ten regular season games. Smits stood out the most in the latter part of the Fall Season when he went on a run of three consecutive clean sheets.
Three of Smits' clean sheets came on the road against the San Antonio Scorpions (0-0), New York Cosmos (0-0) and Ottawa Fury FC (2-0), while the other three came at home against Fury FC (0-0), Tampa Bay Rowdies (1-0), and the Carolina RailHawks (3-0).
"I'm really pleased for John," said FC Edmonton head coach Colin Miller. "He came in as our number two this season. With Lance Parker picking up an injury, John stepped up for us and was so consistent this season playing behind one of the best back fours in the league. We're very pleased with the season that he had."
Smits, 26, joined FC Edmonton in 2012 after playing for the University of Toronto men's soccer team for four seasons. In 2009, Smits set a Canadian University record with 12 shutouts in 15 games and only three goals against. Smits also made three National Championship appearances with the University of Toronto Varsity Blues.
Smits becomes the fourth Golden Glove winner of the NASL Modern Era, joining Evan Bush (Montreal Impact - 2011), Daryl Sattler (San Antonio Scorpions - 2012), and Kyle Reynish (New York Cosmos - 2013).
2015 FC Edmonton Season Tickets are now on sale! You don't want to miss a moment of Eddies action and you don't have to with season ticket prices starting at just $240. Early bird special ends December 15 and include a limited edition FC Edmonton Voit ball as well as discounted VIP parking. Visit fcedmonton.com from more information or call 780.700.2600.
North American Soccer League Stories from November 13, 2014
- San Antonio & Ft. Lauderdale Mayors Make Friendly Wager on NASL Championship Final - San Antonio Scorpions
- Maurer and Mendes Named to NASL Best XI - New York Cosmos
- John Smits Earns NASL Golden Glove Award - FC Edmonton
- NASL Names 2014 Best XI - NASL
- Calvano, Davis, Ibarra and Ramirez All Named to North American Soccer League Best XI - Minnesota United FC
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
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