MONTREAL – With just five days until the start of the 2013 season, the Montreal Impact announced on Monday the signing of midfielder Blake Smith, the club’s first selection at the 2013 SuperDraft (8th overall). As per league policy, details of the contract were not disclosed.
“We are very pleased to have come to terms with our first draft pick,” said Impact sporting director Nick De Santis. “He has shown good progress throughout camp. There is a big difference between the college game and the pros, so there will be an adjustment period for him. However, he is a midfielder who can play on the wings and has qualities that could make him successful in MLS.”
“It’s been a great preseason and I am really happy to be able to remain with the club,” said Smith. “Everyone is excited to kick off the season. I think that we have a good team feel and that we are going to have a good year. I’m looking forward to starting the season and to play in front of our supporters in Montreal.”
In 2012, he was named a First Team NSCAA Far West All-Region and a First Team All-Mountain Pacific Sports Federation, after scoring three goals and adding 13 assists in 21 games played with the University of New Mexico Lobos. His 13 assists were second best in the NCAA and second highest in one season all-time in team history.
The Impact also announced that the club will not offer a contract to forward Fernando Monge for the 2013 season.
The Impact now has 23 players under contract for the 2013 season in MLS.
BLAKE SMITH
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5’10
Weight: 150 lbs.
Birthdate: January 17, 1991, El Paso, Texas, US
Place of residence: Boerne, Texas, US
Former club: New Mexico (NCAA)
Acquired: January 17, 2013 (SuperDraft, 1st round, 8th overall)
