Club Career

Born in England, raised in the US, and playing in Australia, Alex Smith has seen his share of the world.

The midfielder came to the United States at age one and eventually ventured into the world of NCAA soccer. After a good freshman season at Centenary College, Smith transferred to SMU, a more illustrious program.

Sophomore success led to trials in England in 2005, which spelled near-term disaster for Smith. He wasn't offered a contract abroad, but his trials occurred in a way that led the NCAA to rule him ineligible. His college career was over and he signed a one-year contract with FC Dallas.

Smith was released by Dallas after not appearing in a single game in 2006 and thereafter dropped out of the game.

Having given up on a professional career, Smith moved to Australia on a whim some years later. In 2010, however, he signed on with Fraser Park, a club that competes in the New South Wales Super League, a regional third division league. By the end of the season, Smith had been named the league's player of the season.

In 2011, he moved up a division, signing with Sydney Olympic.

Smith's good form with Sydney Olympic earned him a trial with the A-League's Gold Coast United. He impressed and signed a one-year contract. However, he was waived before the start of the season when his club wanted to use an international slot for another player.

Now without a club, Smith returned to Sydney Olympic, who were in the late stages of their season. Smith scored several goals that helped Sydney Olympic win both the regular season and the playoffs.

After the season, Smith earned another shot in the A-League when Wellington Phoenix offered him a short-term contract. He did well enough to sign a permanent contract extension and has since become a key member of the club's squad.