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Independence Add Smith to Back Line

By USLSoccer.com Staff, 01/15/18, 11:19AM EST

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Former Orlando striker Hadji Barry makes move to Rangers


Photo courtesy Matt May / Tampa Bay Rowdies

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte Independence announced on Monday they had signed former New England Revolution defender Donnie Smith, bringing the club’s former loanee in for the new USL season on a permanent deal. The signing is pending league and federation approval.

“I really enjoyed playing with Head Coach Mike Jeffries last year in the 10 games on loan,” said Smith. “Also, I really enjoyed the group of guys I was able to play with. It's an attacking style of play and I really enjoyed it.”

A former standout at UNC-Charlotte collegiately, Smith spent 12 games with the Independence on loan from New England during the USL regular season. The left back recorded nine starts and recorded two assists in his time with the club. Smith also played a key role for the Independence’s defense, contributing to a 1.10 goals-against average in his 12 appearances compared to the team’s 1.35 GAA in USL competitions without Smith.

“We were fortunate to get to know Donnie last year and he contributed greatly to the success of our team as a loan player,” said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “His ability to both defend and get forward as a left back is vital in how we play. He is an excellent passer with good timing on his runs forward and a physical defensive presence.”

RANGERS SWOOP FOR BARRY: The Swope Park Rangers added forward Hadji Barry to their squad on Monday, with the former Orlando City B standout the latest new face to join the defending Western Conference champion this offseason.

Barry recorded 10 goals in 18 appearances in the 2017 USL regular season for OCB, while also making 11 appearances for Orlando City SC in MLS since being drafted in the first round of the 2016 MLS SuperDraft.

A native of Guinea, Barry competed collegiately first at Monroe Community College, before transferring to the University of Central Florida ahead of his junior season. While at Monroe, Barry earned Region II Player of the Year, Championship MVP and First Team honors.

In his first season at UCF, Barry scored once in 16 games before exploding in his senior season, tallying a team-leading 11 goals for the Knights. 

ROUGHNECKS ADD YOUNG EL SALVADORAN: Tulsa Roughnecks FC added to the club’s attacking options with the signing of El Salvadoran attacking midfielder Christian Rodriguez. The 22-year-old arrives at the club after most recently competing for C.D. FAS in the Salvadoran Primera Division.

“Christian is versatile player who can play a number of different positions,” said Roughnecks Head Coach David Vaudreuil. “He is very comfortable on the ball, turns and distributes the ball well, and will be a link between the defense and attack.”

SOUAHY SIGNS WITH LOUISVILLE: Defending USL Cup champion Louisville City FC announced on Monday it had signed French defender Alexis Souahy, with the former Bowling Green State University joining the club for his first professional season.

Souahy spent three years at Bowling Green, and played more than 5,000 minutes across an impressive college career. ­A captain for the Falcons last fall, Souahy was named to the All-Mid-American Conference Second Team, and the All-Ohio First Team, as selected by the Ohio Collegiate Soccer Association (OCSA).

“What LouCity has done in the league in their first three seasons is something that anyone sees when you look at the club. They have shown their success as a team,” said Souahy. “What made this club the one for me is the quality of the organization, the coaches, and last but not least, the fans. There is such a great environment and atmosphere on game days. I’m excited to get down to the City.”

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