As recently as a couple of days ago, Seattle Sounders defender Brad Smith was in limbo.
The attacking left back, who joined the team on a year-long loan from English Premier League side AFC Bournemouth last summer, knew that his original deal with Seattle was set to expire on July 31. Unsure of whether his loan would be extended, he and his family had their bags packed, ready to fly back to England on a moment’s notice.
“We had to prepare as if we were going home,” he said. “Everything is unpacked now [laughs].”
On Wednesday, the club announced that Smith is here to stay until the end of the 2019 season.
In recent months, Smith had made clear that he wanted to spend more time in Seattle. It makes sense, as the former Liverpool FC player has established himself as one of the top attacking fullbacks in Major League Soccer. But as is often the case in professional soccer, it was out of his hands.
Now that the dust has settled, he’s excited to extend his stay in the Pacific Northwest.
“I’m glad it’s finally happened,” said Smith. It’s what we all wanted. I’m just glad to be here for the rest of the season, and I think we can do some special things in the second half of the season.”
In the Sounders’ system, the outside backs are tasked with pushing forward and staying wide, stretching the opponent’s defensive shape from sideline to sideline.
With the gaps opened up, they then use sustained possession to release the wide midfielders or fullbacks into the space behind the other team’s back four. From there, they can play low, driven crosses into the gap between the goalkeeper and defenders, or dangerous cut-back passes for first-time shots.
Given his blistering pace, ability combine and quality service, Smith has been a crucial component of the Sounders attack, with five assists on the season.
“[He is good at] Being able to get beyond people down to the end-line in the prime assist zone,” said Seattle Sounders Head Coach Brian Schmetzer. “He’s been very effective for us.”
The Sounders will host Western Conference rival Sporting Kansas City on Sunday at CenturyLink Field (7:00 p.m. PT; FS1, YouTube TV, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360AM | TICKETS).
