Newcastle Jets are delighted to announce the signing of United States international, Taylor Smith for the upcoming 2018/19 Westfield W-League season.
It will be the first time Smith has ever played out of the United States after stints with UCLA Bruins, Western New York Flash, and North Carolina Courage.
A defensive player, Smith is currently with National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side Washington Spirit, where she’s made 23 appearances so far this season and helped the team keep four clean sheets.
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The 24-year-old has ten games for the United States national team under her belt. In fact, she made her debut for her country against Australia at the 2017 Tournament of Nations.
With the NWSL season now finished, Smith will be flying Down Under shortly to link up with her new teammates.
Newcastle Jets W-League Head Coach, Craig Deans said the signing of Smith is a real coup for the Club.
“Taylor is a fantastic signing for us, and we’re looking forward to seeing her live in action very shortly,” Deans said.
“She’s only 24 but has a wealth of experience from her time in the NWSL and with the United States national team.
“We were strong at the back last season, and I’m confident that Taylor can help take us to the next level this time around.”
Jets CEO, Lawrie McKinna said that Smith was a quality inclusion for this year’s W-League campaign and illustrated the high regard the Club is now held in.
“With Taylor now on board it means we have three current international representatives in our side, alongside Emily van Egmond and Larissa Crummer,” McKinna said.
“It’s really encouraging for us to see the quality of our women’s team, and we’re confident the community will get behind the W-League side this season and spur them onto even bigger and better things.
“The squad that Deansy is assembling ahead of the upcoming season looks extremely strong, and it’s really exciting for women’s football in the Hunter.”
