Dynamo MF, Donnie Smith Selected By The New England Revolution In The 2013 MLS Superdraft

Today former Carolina Dynamo midfielder Donnie Smith (Charlotte) was selected by the New England Revolution as the 21st overall pick were selected as part of Major League Soccer’s 2013 SuperDraft held at the NSCAA Convention in Indianapolis, IN. Smith becomes the 66th Dynamo player been drafted by a Major League Soccer team, since the inaugural draft took place in 1996 and, the 47th player selected since the Dynamo joined the Premier Development League in 2004. 26 of this year’s 38 SuperDraft selections are former PDL standouts.

Donnie Smith, Midfielder

The Dynamo is projected to have as many as seven players selected as part of the 2013 MLS Supplemental Draft. The Supplemental Draft will take place Tuesday, January 22nd via conference call. Dynamo players projected to be taken include: Chris Thomas (Elon), Jordan Gafa (UNC CH), Scott Goodwin (UNC CH), Shawn Sloan (High Point), Danny Wenzel (Wake Forest), Luciano Delbono (Wake Forest) & Fejiro Okiomah (High Point)

   Donnie Smith
   Position:              Midfielder
   College/Year:          Charlotte/Senior
   Hometown:              Mathews, NC
   High School/Club:      Charlotte Catholic H.S./Charlotte Soccer Academy

Donnie played for the Dynamo for three seasons appearing in 39 games and playing virtually every position from left back to forward. Donnie helped lead the Dynamo to the PDL Championship game in 2012. This past season at Charlotte, Smith was named 1st team All-Mid-Atlantic Region by the NSCAA, Atlantic 10 midfielder of the year and was a 1st team All-Conference selection after scoring four goals and adding another four assists. During his junior season, Smith appeared in all 25 matches for Charlotte, scoring five goals and adding three assists for the NCAA College Cup finalists. He was named 2nd team All-Atlantic 10. In 2010, Smith played in all 19 games, starting 12 for the 49ers. Donnie was second on the team with 14 points, 6 goals and 2 assists, earning Atlantic 10 All-Conference honors. As a freshman in 2008, Smith played in 19 of 20 games, starting 7, scoring 3 goals with one assist. At Charlotte Catholic H.S., as a senior co-captain, Donnie helped his school win the 2008 3A State Championship and was named to the NSCAA Region III Team. A two-time Region Player of the Year, Smith also earned All-Mecklenburg County, All-Conference, All-Region and All-State honors in both his junior and senior years. He was the MVP of the NC East-West All-Star Game. Donnie also captained his Charlotte Soccer Academy U-18 team scoring 12 goals. For a complete list player’s drafted click on the link below: http://www.mlssoccer.com/superdraft/2013/tracker

About the PDL
The Premier Development League www.uslsoccer.com (PDL) is the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid that begins with Major League Soccer, which boasts some 74 teams for the 2012 season and spans across the US into both Bermuda & Canada. The league is designed to develop top young talent, giving young aspiring professionals and elite collegiate players the opportunity to play in an organized league with veterans to learn from. Eight of the 26 player’s on each professional team roster are permitted to
be over the age of 23. For this reason the league contains a large number of elite college talent, and a sprinkling of professional experience. USA National team stars such as Brian Ching, Jay DeMerit, and Sacha Kljestan, and seasoned World class professionals such as Jurgen Klinsmann (US National Team Coach) have also played in the league.

The PDL is often used as a ‘shop window’ by top level professional teams who look to watch players ahead of the MLS SuperDraft, this gives you the chance to see developing stars in live action at PDL games year in and year out.