Karsten Smith

Karsten Smith (born November 13, 1988) is an American soccer player currently playing for FC Edmonton in the NASL.

Karsten Smith

Personal information
Full name	Karsten Smith
Date of birth	November 13, 1988
Place of birth	Huntington Station, New York, United States
Height	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Position(s)	Defender
Club information
Current team	FC Edmonton
Number	13
Youth career
2006–2009	American Eagles
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2011	F.C. New York	21	(0)
2012	San Antonio Scorpions	0	(0)
2013	VPS	26	(0)
2014	KA Akureyri	18	(0)
2015	Fort Lauderdale Strikers	11	(0)
2016	Pittsburgh Riverhounds	6	(0)
2016–	FC Edmonton	14	(0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of October 28, 2017

Career

College

Smith, born in Huntington Station, New York, later attended Walt Whitman High School, and played club soccer for BW Gottschee, leading team to State Cup titles at U-14 and U-15 level, before going on to play four years of college soccer at American University. He was named to the All-Patriot League Second Team as a sophomore in 2007, was selected to the All-Patriot League First Team as a junior in 2008, and earned All-Patriot League Second Team honors and served as a team captain during his junior and senior years in 2008 and 2009. He finished his college career with 6 goals and 1 assist in 66 games. During his summer seasons he starred with the DC United u-20's captaining the side with Drew Yates and playing alongside players such as, C.J. Sapong (MLS Rookie of the year in 2011).

Professional

After graduating college, Smith traveled abroad in search of a professional contract; he trialed with FC Lorient in France and SHB Đà Nẵng in Vietnam, but didn't sign with either team.

Smith signed his first professional contract in 2011 when he was signed by F.C. New York of the USL Professional Division.[1] He made his professional debut on April 9, 2011 in New York's first-ever game, a 3–0 loss to Orlando City.[2]

Smith signed with expansion side San Antonio Scorpions of the North American Soccer League on December 21, 2011. San Antonio finished the 2012 season as NASL Regular Season Champions, Losing in the playoff semifinals to Minnesota Stars SC.[3]

In January 2013, Smith signed with VPS. Playing as the left sided centerback, Smith helped Vaasan Palloseura defeat HJK in Helsinki for the first time since the 1960s, a remarkable memory for the club. His key role for VPS throughout the 2013 season was essential for their 3rd-place finish and Europa League qualification. However, he suffered a hip injury in the last part of the season and due to a mutual decision Smith looked for other options.

In 2014, Immediately after recovering from injury Smith trialed with NY Cosmos and FH Harfnajordour. He eventually signed with KA Akureyri in the 1. Deild in Iceland.

After another successful European campaign Smith was considering several offers when the lure of playing for Ronaldo's Team in Fort Lauderdale was presented. In 2015 Smith helped The Fort Lauderdale Strikers make a run towards the semifinals of the NASL.

On July 17, 2016, Smith signed with FC Edmonton.[4] Later that day he made his first appearance for the Eddies when he came on as a substitute in the 62nd minute and helped the team to a 1-0 victory over the Ottawa Fury FC.[5]

References

1. "F.C. New York Signs Local Product". Archived from the original on 2012-10-11. Retrieved 2011-04-10.
2. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2013-10-21. Retrieved 2012-02-14.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
3. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2012-04-26. Retrieved 2011-12-22.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
4. http://www.fcedmonton.com/news/2016/07/17/fc-edmonton-announces-signing-of-defender-karsten-smith
5. http://www.fcedmonton.com/news/2016/07/17/character-on-display-as-shorthanded-eddies-collect-1-0-win-at-clarke-field

External links

• FC Edmonton Bio