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 Bobby
Smith is a pioneer in the development of American Soccer. During his
professional career from 1973 through 1981 he was the only American
named NASL first team all-star in 1975, NASL second team all-star in
1974 and 1979, and is one of only three American players who won three
NASL Championships. Smith’s career play, from 1973 and 1981, includes
18 full U.S. Men’s international games, four U.S. Men’s World
Cup qualifiers, 167 NASL regular season games, and 10 NASL playoff
games.
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Personal Information |
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Class of 2007 |
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Born: |
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Position:
Defender |
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Int'l
Caps: 18 |
Int'l
Goals: |
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Smith attended Rider College from 1969 through 1972. He was twice selected
as the All-Middle Atlantic Conference West Division Most Valuable Player
and was
inducted in February of 1997 to the Rider University Athletics Hall of Fame.
He still held the college records for career goals (46) and goals in a season
(18) at the time of his induction.
After college, Smith began
his NASL nine season career as one of the original players
for the Philadelphia Atoms, formed by Tom McCloskey in 1973. McCloskey
appointed Hartwick College coach Al Miller (Hall of Fame Class of 1995)
as the head coach and encouraged him to draft Americans for the team.
Smith was one of the first Americans selected as a second round pick
in the 1973 College Draft. As a rookie defender Smith helped the team
win the NASL Championship and was a key factor in the team’s a record
for fewest goals allowed in a season (14). The Atoms were the first team
coached by an American to win an NASL championship.
Smith played for the Atoms until 1976. After leaving the Atoms he played for
the New York Cosmos, alongside soccer legend Pelé, through 1978. While
playing for the Cosmos Smith won two NASL Championships. He then played for the
San Diego Sockers in 1979. He finished his NASL career playing one year for the
Philadelphia Fury in 1980 and one year for the Montreal Manic in 1981.
Smith continues his involvement in the soccer by running the Bob Smith Soccer
Academy in his hometown of Hamilton, NJ. The academy invites children of all
ages to come play indoor soccer and focus on developing skills, knowledge, and
love of the game. |
