When Chris Tierney suffered a hamstring injury against D.C. United, New England Revolution fans collectively held their breath. The local product has been the go-to left back for more than seven seasons, offering salient service and dependable defense. Who would be the man asked to replace the unwavering Tierney?
Despite entering his fourth year with the Revolution, Smith had only made two regular-season appearances ahead of Wednesday's match against the Portland Timbers. Both appearances came as a midfielder and neither amounted to more than 45 minutes. Regardless, Heaps looked to Smith to patrol the left side over Je-Vaughn Watson and Darrius Barnes.