Rookie defender Graham Smith was named to the USL Team of the Week today after leading the Swope Park Rangers to a 1-0 victory over Fresno FC on Sunday at Children’s Mercy Park.
Smith, a 22-year-old center back on loan from Sporting KC, delivered a resolute performance to help the Rangers to their fourth consecutive win and lift the side into fifth place in the USL’s Western Conference. The University of Denver product totaled six clearances, four interceptions, won seven of nine duels and completed 59 of 65 passes in his 20th USL appearance of 2018.
Led by head coach Paulo Nagamura, the Rangers (13-9-7, 46 points) will continue their five-game homestand at Children’s Mercy Park on Saturday when they host rivals Saint Louis FC (11-8-9, 42 points) in a pivotal Western Conference clash at 4 p.