The 19-year-old fullback with Alabama roots acquired on season-long loan from Major League Soccer club FC Dallas
BIRMINGHAM, AL (March 10, 2023) – Birmingham Legion FC announced today the addition of defender Collin Smith on a season-long loan from Major League Soccer’s FC Dallas, pending league and federation approval.
Smith, 19, joins Legion FC in time to make the squad for Saturday’s season opener. After signing as a Homegrown player for Dallas in April 2021, Smith made 68 appearances for North Texas SC in USL League One and then the MLS Next Pro league.
“We are excited to have Collin join our team,” said Jay Heaps, Legion FC President and General Manager. “He is a great kid, with huge potential to help us this season.”
Born in Jacksonville, FL, Smith moved to join the FC Dallas Academy when he was 14 years old. Since then, Smith has grown and excelled within the FC Dallas system, first with teams in the Academy, and then with North Texas SC. In 2019, his play with the academy earned Smith an invite to a United States Under-16 Youth National Team camp.
From 2019-2021, while playing for NTSC in USL League One, Smith made 44 appearances in various positions, but mainly at right back, and contributed one goal and two assists. Last season, while playing in MLS Next Pro, he saw a jump in production, racking up two goals and six assists in 24 games.
“I am thrilled to be here with the Birmingham Legion, and I’m more than ready to continue developing as a teammate and a player, under a coach and team that made me feel welcome immediately,” said Smith. “I anticipate rising to any challenge alongside my new team and can’t wait to see what we accomplish together. ‘The best way to predict the future is to create it.’ I’m all in!”
Smith has family across the state, in Decatur, Clayton, Montgomery, Dothan, and Mobile. His parents were both born in Mobile and Eufaula, before they attended and met at the University of Alabama.
“I loved returning to UA for football games, so definitely RTR!” said Smith. “I would definitely say I have Alabama roots and this state will always be at my core!”
Transaction: On March 10, 2023, Birmingham Legion FC added defender Collin Smith on loan from MLS side FC Dallas, pending league and federation approval.
Player Profile:
Name: Collin Smith
Position: Right back
Number: 2
Height: 5’ 10”
Weight: 172 lbs
Birthdate: December 4, 2003 (age: 19)
Hometown: Jacksonville, FL
Citizenship: United States
Previous Club: FC Dallas (MLS)
Instagram: @true1_collin
The first opportunity to see Smith and his new teammates in action is this Saturday! Legion FC kicks off the 2023 regular season at Protective Stadium on March 11 at 6:30pm and single game tickets are available now!
Fans interested in 2023 Season Tickets can find more information at bhmlegion.com/2023tickets or are encouraged to email tickets@bhmlegion.com or call the Legion FC Ticket Office at 205-791-7145.
For all club news and updates fans are encouraged to follow @bhmlegion on social media and keep an eye on bhmlegion.com and the Legion FC app. Download the Legion FC app today on Apple or Android, and sync our 2023 schedule to your calendar HERE.
