Spokane Velocity FC has added a former No. 4 draft pick and an All-American for the Clemson Tigers to the roster.
Forward Kimarni Smith, who signed with D.C. United of MLS after the 2021 draft, is coming to Spokane, pending league and federation approval.
Kimarni Smith
Position: Winger
Jersey: 17
Hometown: Nottingham, England
Age: 25
English winger Kimarni Smith spent his youth soccer career with Basford United’s academy program before signing a professional contract with Sheffield United. After the 2018 season, Smith moved to the U.S. in 2017 to play college soccer at Clemson University. In his four seasons with the Tigers, he appeared in 63 matches and recorded 26 goals and 11 assists. During the 2019 season, Smith received second-team All-America, first-team All-South Region, and first-team All-ACC honors. The next season, Smith was the 2020 ACC Tournament MVP.
After being selected fourth in the 2021 MLS Superdraft, Smith signed with D.C. United, where he played in 20 matches over two seasons. He made 29 appearances while on loan to the club’s USL affiliate Loudoun United, recording three goals. Smith was signed to San Antonio FC in the USL Championship ahead of the 2023 season and played in 10 league matches. Last summer, he played with Crown Legacy FC of MLS Next, where he made a couple appearances.
“Kimarni brings a wealth of high-quality experience at such a young age from his time spent with Sheffield United, DC United, and various other USL teams,” said Velocity FC Head Coach Leigh Veidman from the team’s pre-season training in Arizona. “He is a very dynamic, direct, and fast player who will add to the quality of our squad and bring a different dimension to our attack. We are excited to have Kimarni joining us in Tucson and get him integrated into the team.”
See Kimarni Smith play live at ONE Spokane Stadium! Individual tickets are now on sale for all home games!
