John Carroll Boys Soccer sophomore Edward "Eddie" Smith, Jr. was named to the ECNL U15 All-America Soccer Team. He made this team based on his performance during the US Soccer Youth National Team Regional Identification Camp held at the YSC Sports Complex near Philadelphia, PA on Wednesday, September 15 - a pathway to a possible future USYNT call-up.
This was an opportunity for the top regional talents to train and play games under the direction of US Soccer talent identification managers. IDC's are a critical element to US Soccer's talent identification plan and are designed to identify and evaluate the top talents for youth national teams, while accelerating their development in a challenging and ultra-competitive environment.
Eddie is in his second year playing soccer for JC, starting both years at center back playing for Coaches Fendryk and Greatwich. Eddie also plays for Coach Greatwich at Pipeline Soccer Club, where he was an instrumental part of the team's national championship in 2019 and was voted the most valuable player of the event. Eddie was also recognized as the best player in the Northeast ECNL Conference this past season where his team went 25-1-1.
Coach Fendryk says, "This was an amazing opportunity for Eddie and one that is very well deserved. Throughout his time here at the school, and outside of school with his club team, Eddie has proven that he is among the elite players in his age group in the country. I'm really excited for him and obviously very hopeful that he will have a good day in camp."
Coach Greatwich adds, "Eddie deserves this. From the first week I had him three years ago I saw huge potential and many great qualities for him to be a true leader and special player. In that time, he has never stopped working to get better and now he is being rightfully rewarded. It is great for JC and for Pipeline to have a representative tryout for this level. He has much more to learn but he is in a great spot right now and I wish him all luck in the world!”