Derek Smith (soccer)
Encyclopedia
Derek Smith is an American
soccer player who currently plays for Cincinnati Kings
in the USL Premier Development League
.
before playing soccer at Union College
from 2000 to 2003. He was named the team Defensive Man of the Year and Most Valuable Player in 2002 and an All-American Honorable Mention selection and First Team All-Region in both 2001 and 2002. In 2001 and 2002, he spent the collegiate off season with the West Michigan Edge
of the fourth division Premier Development League.
of the PDL in the summer of 2004, before signing his first professional contract with the Virginia Beach Mariners
of the USL First Division
. In 2005, he signed with the Columbus Crew
of Major League Soccer
, and although he saw no time with the first team, he played two games with the reserves.
After being released by the Crew, Smith joined the Cincinnati Kings
of the PDL, and played for them for two years. On February 17, 2007, the Minnesota Thunder
announced the singing of Smith to a two year contract. He played 12 games for Minnesota in 2007, but was released at the end of the season with a year of his contract still remaining.
After a couple of years out of the competitive game, Smith returned for his second stint with the Cincinnati Kings
in the PDL in 2010.
hired Smith as an assistant with both the men's and women's soccer teams.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
soccer player who currently plays for Cincinnati Kings
Cincinnati Kings
Cincinnati Kings is an American soccer team based in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States. Founded in 2005, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Great Lakes Division of the Central Conference.The team plays its home games at the...
in the USL Premier Development League
USL Premier Development League
The USL Premier Development League is the amateur league of the United Soccer Leagues in the United States, Canada, and Bermuda, forming part of the American Soccer Pyramid...
.
College and Amateur
Smith attended Hopkinsville High SchoolHopkinsville High School
Hopkinsville High School is a four-year public high school located in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, with over 1,000 students. It is operated by the Christian County Public Schools school district.-History:...
before playing soccer at Union College
Union College
Union College is a private, non-denominational liberal arts college located in Schenectady, New York, United States. Founded in 1795, it was the first institution of higher learning chartered by the New York State Board of Regents. In the 19th century, it became the "Mother of Fraternities", as...
from 2000 to 2003. He was named the team Defensive Man of the Year and Most Valuable Player in 2002 and an All-American Honorable Mention selection and First Team All-Region in both 2001 and 2002. In 2001 and 2002, he spent the collegiate off season with the West Michigan Edge
West Michigan Edge
West Michigan Edge was an American soccer team based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States. Founded in 1995, the team played in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, until 2008, when the franchise folded and the team left the league.The team played...
of the fourth division Premier Development League.
Professional
Undrafted out of college, Smith played for the Cocoa ExposCocoa Expos
Cocoa Expos was an American soccer team, founded in 1993. The team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, until 2007, when the team left the league and the franchise was terminated.The team played its home matches at...
of the PDL in the summer of 2004, before signing his first professional contract with the Virginia Beach Mariners
Virginia Beach Mariners
The Virginia Beach Mariners were an American soccer club, who formerly played in the USL First Division of the United Soccer Leagues, the second division in the US Soccer hierarchy behind Major League Soccer...
of the USL First Division
USL First Division
The United Soccer Leagues First Division was a professional men's soccer league in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico....
. In 2005, he signed with the Columbus Crew
Columbus Crew
The Columbus Crew is an American professional soccer club based in Columbus, Ohio which competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada...
of Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer is a professional soccer league based in the United States and sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation . The league is composed of 19 teams — 16 in the U.S. and 3 in Canada...
, and although he saw no time with the first team, he played two games with the reserves.
After being released by the Crew, Smith joined the Cincinnati Kings
Cincinnati Kings
Cincinnati Kings is an American soccer team based in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States. Founded in 2005, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Great Lakes Division of the Central Conference.The team plays its home games at the...
of the PDL, and played for them for two years. On February 17, 2007, the Minnesota Thunder
Minnesota Thunder
Minnesota Thunder was an American professional soccer team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. Founded in 1990, the team played in the USL First Division , the second tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, until 2009. The team played its home games at the National Sports Center in nearby...
announced the singing of Smith to a two year contract. He played 12 games for Minnesota in 2007, but was released at the end of the season with a year of his contract still remaining.
After a couple of years out of the competitive game, Smith returned for his second stint with the Cincinnati Kings
Cincinnati Kings
Cincinnati Kings is an American soccer team based in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States. Founded in 2005, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Great Lakes Division of the Central Conference.The team plays its home games at the...
in the PDL in 2010.
Coaching
Smith also coaches for the Blackhawks of St. Paul U15 C1 girls which he helped to get to state, and the Saint Paul Academy and Summit School Boys JV team, which he coached to a record of 10-6 and 48 goals scored. On April 21, 2006, the College of Mount St. JosephCollege of Mount St. Joseph
The College of Mount St. Joseph is a private, Catholic, co-educational college located in Cincinnati, Ohio. Also known as “the Mount,” the College was founded in 1920 by the Sisters of Charity and educates students through interdisciplinary liberal arts and professional curricula emphasizing...
hired Smith as an assistant with both the men's and women's soccer teams.