Nathan Smith finds defensive niche

Nathan Smith finds defensive niche
February 3, 2009
As young athletes mature and get older they inevitably grow more into the player they’ll eventually become. Whether it’s narrowing their focus on one sport instead of a few, or polishing their special ability and finding their niche, players find themselves as they play on.

It’s a fun process to witness, which is one of the reasons California Odyssey defender Nathan Smith is a joy to watch these days.

The 14-year-old has played just about every position on the pitch for his club. While playing with the U15s he sees time at center midfielder, and with the U16 academy team he plays at center back.

But recently, more than ever, Smith is finding where he believes he truly belongs.

Elite club soccer player Nathan Smith.Nathan Smith plays in a recent Academy game.
“I’m definitely more of a defensive player,” he said. “I mainly enjoy winning balls, reading the game and being in on physical play. It makes me work harder.”

US Soccer obviously agrees as they’ve invited Smith to play defense for their 36-player U15 camp Feb. 15-22 in Bradenton, Florida.

It will be Smith’s first taste of US Soccer, and it’s exciting confirmation that his future likely lies on the backline, where at the camp he’ll be playing with other star defenders like Geno Bigalow (Colorado Springs), Alfred Edmonds (De Anza Force), Corey Miller (Real So Cal), Marc Pelosi (De Anza Force) and Malcom Harris (Baltimore Bays).

“I feel like I have more awareness to play defense and when I get older I’ll probably be better as a defensive player,” Smith said. "I was really happy when I learned I would be going to the camp. I’m excited and maybe nervous a little bit.”

The honor comes after Smith performed well enough on his Region IV team to be named to the US Youth Soccer ODP Interregional All-Star Team in November.

“I was really happy that I played well and someone noticed,” Smith said. “I always feel like I have to play better on regional teams because I don’t have any of my teammates to help me, it’s just me. It makes me raise my game. And playing with a lot of really good players brings my game up too.”

While Smith has a strong affinity for defense, he’s no slouch on the other side of the ball either. Smith’s versatile talents have helped him lead two US Club National Championship teams alongside players like Daniel Flores and Tren Biswell - the same nucleus that will shoot for the state cup title in March.

“He’s a major factor in the midfield as well, a great attacking midfielder,” said California Odyssey coach Nader Badawi. “On defense he plays central, left or right and has great defensive abilities – he’s strong in the air, has speed and skill and plays the ball well under pressure. The main thing is he’s just a warrior. He’s always willing to work hard.”

And Smith will continue to work hard as he develops in more ways than one. He’s grown three inches in the last four months, now standing at 5-foot-8, and likely has more growing to do considering his father stands at 6-foot-4.

His latest spurt explains part of why he’s focusing on specific areas for improvement.

“I need to improve my quickness and feet,” he said. “I want to gain experience from the national camp but also be able to get invited back. I want to play at a high level and be able to stay there.”
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