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Switchbacks acquire goalkeeper Alec Smir on loan from MNUFC 2

By USLChampionship.com Staff, 03/13/23, 3:09PM EDT

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Former University of North Carolina shot-stopper made eight appearances in MLS NEXT Pro last season


Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC has acquired goalkeeper Alec Smir on loan from Minnesota United FC 2 for the 2023 season. | Photo courtesy Minnesota United FC

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC announced on Monday the club had acquired goalkeeper Alec Smir on loan from Minnesota United FC of Major League Soccer for the 2023 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

“I am extremely excited to be here in Colorado Springs with the Switchbacks this season,” said Smir. “It's really great to be with a club that is continuously pushing for success. I'm looking forward to getting out onto Weidner Field and helping the team in any way I can to bring a trophy to the city. I can't wait to meet all the guys, the supporters, and hit the ground running.”

Smir joins the Switchbacks after spending the 2022 season with Minnesota United FC 2 in MLS NEXT Pro. Smir made eight appearances, all starts, in which he recorded 15 saves and one shutout and posted a 1.38 goals-against average. The 23-year-old was also selected to compete in the 2022 MLS All-Star Skills competition where he won the MLS NEXT Pro portion of the "Goalie Wars" Event.

The Greensboro, N.C. native attended the University of North Carolina where he appeared in 68 matches from 2017-2021. Smir earned his spot as starter in his freshman season after turning in a 10-1-1 record in his 12 appearances. He went on to have a goals-against average of 0.86 across his collegiate career, recording 6,000 minutes played and 27 clean sheets.

Smir was selected 62nd overall in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft by FC Dallas, but signed with Minnesota United FC 2 in March 2022.

“Firstly, his character is perfect for our locker room, he comes in with the attitude of a willingness to work every single day,” said Switchbacks Head Coach Stephen Hogan. “His attributes include bravery in aerial duels, great distribution from his feet and his hands, and overall a commanding presence in the box. We are excited for the year ahead with him and hopefully we can progress his career in the right way.”

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