The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Soccer-Ex Abby Smith signs pro deal with NWSL’s NJ/NY Gotham FC
11.28.2022 | Soccer
The 2015 Texas graduate inked a three-year contract with the organization through the 2025 season
AUSTIN, Texas – Fresh off winning a 2022 National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) title with the Portland Thorns, Texas-Ex Abby Smith has officially signed a three-year contract to join the NWSL's NJ/NY Gotham FC (based in Harrison, N.J.) through the 2025 season.
The standout goalkeeper became Texas' first-ever NWSL draftee after being selected back in 2016 during the third round as the No. 27 overall pick by the Boston Breakers. Since then, the Plano, Texas, native has battled injury but played in 56 combined matches for Boston, Utah Royals FC/Kansas City and Portland. Prior to her acquisition by Portland on Aug. 17, 2021, Smith's clean sheet against OL Reign led Kansas City to its first NWSL victory. In 2019, she played for Western Sydney Wanderers FC in Australia on loan from Utah.
"I couldn't be more excited about my decision to join Gotham FC," Smith said. "This experience has been educational and empowering. I feel so fortunate to be amongst the first class of athletes in the NWSL to benefit from the new CBA's free agency policy. Gotham FC made their feelings known immediately, and I was so impressed by their support and professionalism throughout the entire process. This organization values its players and its community, and those two qualities are most important to me. I can't wait to come to New Jersey and get to work on the field and in my new community."
During her lauded stay on the Forty Acres, Smith established the program's all-time record with 30 solo shutouts. A three-time United Soccer Coaches All-Region and four-time All-Big 12 Conference selection, Smith finished her Texas career ranked second in program history in minutes played (6,767), wins (36) and goals-against-average (0.84) as well as fourth in overall saves (300). During a 2015 senior campaign that saw her named United Soccer Coaches All-Central Region, All-Big 12 Conference, a Senior CLASS Award Senior All-American and to Top Drawer Soccer's Postseason Best XI Third Team, Smith recorded a 0.94 GAA, six shutouts, a Big 12-leading 96 saves on a league-high total of 5.33 saves-per-match and a .842 save percentage.
The NWSL is a 12-team Division I women's professional soccer league that began play back during the 2013 season. The current participating clubs are the Angel City FC, Chicago Red Stars, Houston Dash, Kansas City Current, NJ/NY Gotham FC, North Carolina Courage, OL Reign, Orlando Pride, Portland Thorns FC, Racing Louisville FC, San Diego Wave FC and Washington Spirit.