Varsity Blues goalkeeper John Smits has signed a contract and will play for Edmonton FC in the North American Soccer League (NASL) for the 2012 season.

"We are very excited for John to have this opportunity to play professional soccer,” said Varsity Blues head coach Anthony Capotosto.  “He has improved every year he has been with our program and we are proud to see him graduate and moving onto play at the next level.”

In three seasons with the Varsity Blues, Smits established himself as one of the top men’s soccer goalkeepers in the CIS.  He was named an OUA East second team all-star after recording a CIS-leading 11 shut outs in 2009.

Smits went onto earn first team all-star status as the Blues claimed the 2010 OUA championship title. He was named the player of the match in the OUA gold medal final as Toronto defeated York 1-0 in penalty kicks.

This past season, Smits helped Toronto to an OUA East-low nine goals against, while also notching nine shut outs, and appeared in his third consecutive CIS national tournament.

“Our goalkeeper coach, Luciano Lombardi, needs to be given full credit for the time he spent working with John over the years,” added Capotosto.  “The two of them formed a great working relationship, which has now culminated into a chance to play at the pro level.  We wish John all the best and look forward to following what we hope will be a long and successful career in the game!" 

Check out Edmonton FC's official homepage.

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