MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis 901 FC announced on Wednesday the club had exercised its one-year team option on 2022 USL Championship All-League selection Graham Smith for the 2023 campaing. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Voted to the All-League Second Team, Smith returns to Memphis after a breakout year, finishing the season ranked third in the USL Championship with 152 clearances while proving to be a major threat as a set piece target with five goals, including the game-winning goal in the club’s first postseason victory against Detroit City FC in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the 2022 USL Championship Playoffs presented by Hisense.

“2022 has been a very successful year for Graham. He played more games this season than at any other time in his career to date and his on-field performances have been fantastic,” said 901 FC Assistant Sporting Director Caleb Patterson-Sewell. “We not only value what he brings on the field but also what he brings to our group as a person. We look forward to Graham leading our backline in 2023.”

Smith joins Phillip Goodrum and Aaron Molloy as the third 2022 USL Championship All-League selection set to return to AutoZone Park for the 2023 season.