MONTREAL – The Montreal Impact announced on Saturday the acquisition of Canadian goalkeeper John Smits, on loan from FC Edmonton (NASL), to 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).
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.
“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, 26, started 35 games in three seasons with FC Edmonton in the 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.
Smits will join the Impact in Costa Rica Sunday.
JOHN SMITS
Position: Goalkeeper
Number: 30
Height: 6’4
Weight: 185 lbs.
Date of birth: September 7, 1988, Mississauga, Ontario
Citizenship: Canada
Previous Club: FC Edmonton (NASL)
Acquired: April 4, 2015
