Asheville City SC Defender Jamie Smith Named TopDrawerSoccer.com NPSL Young Player of the Year

August 1, 2019

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The National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) is proud to announce that Asheville City SC
defender Jamie Smith has been named the TopDrawerSoccer.com NPSL Young Player of the
Year. This award is given to the league’s top under-23 player, regardless of position.

“I’m very happy to receive this award,” Smith said. “With so many top players playing in the
NPSL it means a lot to be considered. I would like to thank my family, friends, and everyone
involved at Asheville City SC for helping me achieve this. An extra thank you to the players,
staff, and supporters, without them this would not have been achievable.”

Smith played in 10 games (10 starts) in 2019, finishing with four clean sheets, two goals, and one
assist. He earned NPSL Conference XI, Region XI, and National XI honors.

“We couldn’t be more delighted for Jamie,” Asheville City SC men’s head coach Mick Giordano
said. “He’s a captain and leader for our club so it’s fantastic for him to earn this well-deserved
award. Jamie was an integral part of us only conceding 10 goals all season while helping set a
new club record with five clean sheets. He’s an intelligent footballer and helped lead by
example. This is truly a wonderful moment for Jamie and our club.”

The Birmingham, England native joined Asheville City SC in 2018. Smith has been the Blues’
captain for the past two seasons and has been instrumental in the club’s success, starting 25
games, scoring key playoff goals, and contributing to six clean sheets in that time. Smith also
plays for NC State University after transferring from Limestone College in 2018.

”TopDrawerSoccer is excited to announce and would like to congratulate Asheville City
defender Jamie Smith for receiving the Young Player of the Year award,” TopDrawerSoccer.com Director of Content Travis Clark said. ”Among the many deserving
candidates Smith’s performance this season stood out above the rest. Smith played every minute of the 10 matches in which he played, scoring two goals, and anchoring Asheville City’s defense. He even netted the overtime winner against Greenville to send Asheville into the conference
final. We’ll be excited to watch him play this fall at North Carolina State.”

Smith comes from a footballing family as his father, Dean Smith, is a former professional and
currently manages Aston Villa FC. After the 2019 NPSL season, Smith met up with his family in Minnesota for AVFC’s summer tour before heading to Raleigh for the upcoming collegiate
season.