June 9, 2008 MLS Toronto FC add Jarrod Smith to senior roster (from Toronto FC Media Relations)
06/09/2008 2:52PM
Smith pleased with progress
Toronto FC Media Relations
Toronto FC's Jarrod Smith believes his promotion to the senior roster is reward for a lot of hard work. Pat Phelan's departure to New England Revolution last week paved the way for Smith to be promoted from the developmental roster. "It means a lot," said Smith. "When I signed on a developmental contract for the team, my goal was to get myself bumped up as soon as possible."
Smith is a New Zealand international, and played in his native land for Hawkes Bay United in 2007. But since joining Toronto FC in pre-season, he has impressed coach John Carver and has made nine MLS appearances, starting three times.
"I had almost a year off with hamstring problems and coming into pre-season I still wasn't at 100 per cent. But with training every day, and being in this kind of environment, I've been improving with every training session. I've pretty much got what I wanted so far, which was to get up to a senior contract, and now the sky is the limit really. The platform is there and now I've got to keep working and try to keep improving," said Smith.
"I was always part of the team, but now it's a much more positive feeling of being involved and to know that there is confidence coming from above whether it's from John Carver or Mo Johnston. It's good to know people have faith in me. I never doubted myself. Obviously, confidence with my hamstrings has been my number one worry. Now that I'm starting to get that cleared out of my head I can start to focus just on football," he explained.
Smith scored his first MLS goal in the Reds 3-2 win at the LA Galaxy back in April, and he is determined to continue improving all aspects of his game. "I'm still young and I've got a lot to learn, but that's what I'm here for. There are lots of senior players around that I can learn from, and if I can get what I can from those guys, then hopefully I can get to that level in my future. I'm lucky because I'm playing football and doing something that I love."
.
.