Smith survives Toronto FC tryouts
By Mike Ulmer / TorontoFC.ca
Toronto FC have invited defender Jamaal Smith to participate in preseason training camp. (Toronto FC)
Jamaal Smith is one-in-a-thousand.
Those are the odds he overcame in becoming the only survivor of the Toronto open tryouts, which were held all week at an indoor venue in Toronto.
Friday was the final cut day and after sorting through just over 1,000 prospects from all over North American and Europe, FC coach Mo Johnston had found his prospect.
Smith is an 18-year-old defender who plays for York University and the Mississauga Classics. He will now attend the Toronto FC training camp in Florida in February.
Smith was approached and urged to attend the camp by York coach Paul James.
"I didn't say yes or no. I was worried about my exams for university but right now I'd have to say I'm glad I came," Smith said.
The Mississauga native never saw a roster spot as his goal.
"I came to gain some exposure and maybe catch the eye of someone on staff. This is definitely a bonus."
Smith's selection made him an immediate target for the media, anxious to document his ascension from 'wannabe' to invited player. Asked if he knew how to deal with the sudden media crush, Smith laughed and said, "Can't say that I do."
He will learn, of course, about surviving media interest and about building on his game.
"I know that I have lots of stuff to work on. I'm just glad to be getting the chance."
