Impact loan 2013 first round pick to NASL club

Smith, an eighth overall pick, had two goals in only 276 minutes of playing time over 16 appearances last season. (Graham Hughes/CP)

MONTREAL — The Montreal Impact loaned 2013 first-round draft pick Blake Smith to the Indy Eleven of the North American Soccer League on Tuesday.

Smith, an eighth overall pick, had two goals in only 276 minutes of playing time over 16 appearances last season. The left side midfielder played only 43 minutes in three games this season.

"As we did with Zakaria Messoudi, it will be a good opportunity for Blake to get more playing time," Impact head coach Frank Klopas said in a statement. "This loan will help him in his development."

The 23-year-old Smith was a fan favourite for his speed and energetic style of play, but saw action mostly as a substitute late in games.

When submitting content, please abide by our submission guidelines, and avoid posting profanity, personal attacks or harassment. Should you violate our submissions guidelines, we reserve the right to remove your comments and block your account. Sportsnet reserves the right to close a story’s comment section at any time.