Smits to Go on Temporary Loan to Montreal Impact

April 4, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
FC Edmonton News Release

MONTREAL - FC Edmonton announced on Saturday a temporary loan deal with Montreal Impact over Canadian goalkeeper John Smits. Smits will serve as the backup to Evan Bush during the second leg of the Champions League semifinals against Alajuelense, on Tuesday at 10pm, in Costa Rica (TVA Sports, Sportsnet, TSN radio 690).

"I think it's a fantastic opportunity for John," said FC Edmonton's head coach Colin Miller. "It gives him a massive lift and compliment to him that Montreal want to take him to Costa Rica. It also shows that two Canadian clubs can work closely together to help each other out in a situation like this. We're all 100 per cent behind the move and it's a win-win for everyone."

The Impact needed a backup for this game as Eric Kronberg is cup-tied and cannot play, having already taken part in the tournament with Sporting Kansas City. In addition, Impact goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau is still bothered by a shoulder injury.

Smits, 26, started 35 games in three seasons with the Eddies in the North American Soccer League (NASL), winning the Golden Glove Award in 2014 as the league's top 'keeper, after finishing the season with a league leading 0.90 GAA. He started 20 of the 27 matches for the Eddies, registering a 6-9-5 record, with six shutouts.

"We are pleased to add John Smits to our roster for this Champions League game," said technical director Adam Braz. "We would like to thank FC Edmonton for the loan and acknowledge this gesture of solidarity by them to another Canadian organization."

Smits will join the Impact in Costa Rica Sunday after FC Edmonton season opening match on Saturday against Jacksonville Armada FC (5:30 p.m. MT KO). The match will be available on TSN Go.

North American Soccer League Stories from April 4, 2015

• Cosmos Best Strikers 1-0 to Win Season Debut - New York Cosmos
• Late Penalty Conversion Salvages Draw for Indy Eleven in 2015 Opener - Indy Eleven
• Armada FC Sets Modern-Day NASL Attendance Record in 3-1 Win - Jacksonville Armada FC
• Tampa Bay Rowdies Open Season with 3-1 Win over Defending Champions - Tampa Bay Rowdies
• Armada Sink Eddies in Opening Match of Season - FC Edmonton
• Strikers Come up Short in Season Opener in Front of Record-Breaking Crowd - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
• Silverbacks Share Points with Indy in Opener - Atlanta Silverbacks
• Carolina RailHawks Claim Victory in Season Opener - North Carolina FC
• Fury FC Downed by RailHawks in NASL Season Opener - Ottawa Fury FC
• Smits to Go on Temporary Loan to Montreal Impact - FC Edmonton
• Kickabout: Match Day 1 - Atlanta Silverbacks

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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