31 Reasons To Appreciate WPS: Kelly Smith

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31 Reasons To Appreciate WPS: Kelly Smith

posted by All White Kit
Monday, August 9, 2010 at 8:46am PDT

All White Kit offers coverage of women's soccer around the world from a fan's perspective. AWK will feature the latest news, analysis, and commentary on the women's game. Match reports, scores, schedules, standings and opinion pieces will be on share. We aim to become a resource for any follower of women's soccer.

Who’s the hottest player in WPS right now? She’s probably not among the usual suspects.

She may not have won four FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year awards (she hasn’t won any, in fact). She may not have the pace or acceleration of someone in her early 20′s (she’s in her early 30′s, in fact). And she may not have the 5’11 frame that can see her through tough aerial battles (she’s actually 5’6 and has never been known for her aerial prowess).

Regardless, Kelly Smith is still one of the best female soccer players in the world. Who ever said there was a ‘wrong side’ of 30?

Kelly Smith is having a banner year. The English international has now scored 10 goals this season, six of which have come from her previous four games.

But Smith is beyond just a goal scorer, she’s also a playmaker. In addition to being the third-highest goal scorer in WPS, Smith is now tied with two other players for the fourth highest assist-make in the league with five. Although she may no longer be able to go full steam for the full 90, she can still change a game with a single killer pass or a through ball into space.

What separates a great player from a great leader? Knowing when to be great, knowing when to lead your team. It’s not about contributing when your team is doing well, it’s contributing when things aren’t going well that really matters. Much like last season, Smith has done just that and has helped her team get hot at the perfect moment in the season. The wind is now at the Breakers’ sails right now and Smith is navigating the ship.

Kelly Smith; an English legend living an American dream.

View Original Post at allwhitekit.wordpress.com

Filed Under:
Soccer, Sports, WPS

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31 Reasons to Appreciate WPS

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