Seattle, Washington (July 31, 2019) — Brad Smith isn’t heading back to England anytime soon. Last year, the Australian international joined the Seattle Sounders FC on loan. His loan was supposed to expire this month. However, the Sounders and AFC Bournemouth have agreed to extend it.
Born in Penrith, Australia, Smith joined Bournemouth in 2016. However, he only made five appearances for the club. Last year, he decided to join the MLS side in Seattle and has since made 25 appearances for the club. In those 25 appearances, Smith has started 24 matches.
He edged out Nouhou for the starting left back spot on a dominant backline. Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer said that he’s “very happy” Smith will remain with the team in 2019. In a press release, Scmetzer said that Smith as been a great fit to the Sounders team.
“In addition to his on-field quality, he’s been a valuable member of our locker room and has meshed well with the group,” Schmetzer said. “He will be an important piece to the Team as we try and close out the Season as MLS Cup Champion.”
Smith’s stay is positive for Sounders
Smith has six assists to his MLS career resume, including five distributed this season. In the same press release, Carth Lagerwey, the Sounders general manager, said that Smith has “performed admirably” since joining the the team. Meanwhile, Sounders sporting director Chris Henderson said the club has been happy with Smith’s performances.
“This athleticism and quality have been crucial to our play this season. He has quickly emerged as one of the better fullbacks in our league,” Henderson said.
There is no indication yet to if Smith’s loan will be fully purchased by the Sounders. In the original loan deal, there was a club option to buy Smith’s contract. The Sounders used Targeted Allocation Money (TAM) to extend the loan with Bournemouth.
Smith also has 20 international appearances with Australia.
MOOD.@bradsmith_94's loan has been extended! 😃🙌 pic.twitter.com/ZH6tqMc3IU
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) July 31, 2019
What’s Next?
The Sounders will return home to CenturyLink Field this weekend to face off with Sporting Kansas City. The match will begin at 7 p.m. PT/10 p.m. EST. In the Western Conference, the Sounders currently hold second place with 38 points. Meanwhile, Sporting Kansas City sits in the 10th place position.
The match will air on Fox Sports 1.
Electric speed + lethal crosses@bradsmith_94 remains a Sounder ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/9ncznqLSqK
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) July 31, 2019
PHOTO: Brad Smith is staying in Seattle, having his loan extended until the end of the 2019 season. Photo of Smith against the Vancouver Whitecaps is courtesy of Jane Gershovich/Seattle Sounders FC.
