NJ/NY Gotham FC Signs Taylor Smith to Three-Year Contract
October 17, 2022 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – NJ/NY Gotham FC News Release
NJ/NY Gotham FC forward/defender Taylor Smith
(NJ/NY Gotham FC)
HARRISON, N.J. – NJ/NY Gotham FC announced today the re-signing of forward/defender Taylor Smith to a three-year contract through the 2025 season. Over her career, Smith has won an NWSL championship, the NWSL Challenge Cup, the She Believes Cup as a member of the U.S. National Team, and an NCAA championship with UCLA.
“From the first day I arrived this summer, I’ve enjoyed every second of being a part of Gotham FC,” said Smith. “I feel valued here and cannot wait to continue to make a positive impact. I wholeheartedly believe we will build off our last performance and make everyone proud next year. The team, the fans, the city and community are second to none, and I feel so honored to be able to call this home the next three years.”
After her acquisition off waivers in June of this year, the 28-year-old Smith appeared in 18 games (starting 15) for Gotham FC this season and had two goals and one assist.
“Taylor Smith is a versatile, dynamic and high-skilled player in the prime of her career who was a welcome addition to our club this season,” said Gotham FC GM and Head of Soccer Operations Yael Averbuch. “As we look to build our roster for 2023 and beyond, the re-signing of Taylor was a crucial step. We are thrilled that she has committed long-term to Gotham FC.”
Over her seven-year career in the NWSL, Smith has been a standout in all phases of the game. As a rookie, she won the NWSL championship with the WNY Flash in 2016. After the Flash were sold and became the North Carolina Courage, Smith helped lead the club to the NWSL Shield a year later. Smith went on to play for the Washington Spirit (2018), and Reign (2019-20) before returning to the Courage (2021-22). She won the NWSL Challenge Cup with North Carolina in 2022. Over her NWSL career, Smith has four goals and six assists. In 2018, Smith also joined Newcastle Jets FC in Australia on loan.
Smith had a brilliant collegiate career at UCLA, highlighted by the Bruins winning their first-ever College Cup in her sophomore year in 2013. In the quarterfinals, she scored the game-winning goal in double overtime to lead UCLA past North Carolina on the way to winning the title. That season, Smith was named First Team All-PAC 12.
In 2017, Smith made her debut with the U.S. National Team. She has ten caps with the team, including starts in the Tournament of Nations and the She Believes Cup. Smith and the U.S. won the She Believes Cup in 2018.
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