New Signing: Khano Smith

By: Dave Martinez | February 12th, 2009

Two questions marks have lingered over Red Bulls training camp since its inception; what is the teams answer to the left side of the midfield, and where do they find leadership for the backlines. One of those questions may have already been answered.

Enter Khano Smith. The Bulls have traded for Smith from the Sounders, in exchange for allocation money.

Most of you are familiar with Smith from his 4 years in New England, where his fiery personality and enigmatic play made some Red Bulls fans either pull their hair out or breathe a sigh of relief. He is a very tall, very athletic left sided midfielder, who can look like the answer one minute, and the great question mark the next. His speed alone causes fits for defenders, since the lanky mid wouldn’t be suspect of having such great jets to rely on.

I like to compare Khano Smith to hockey player Alexei Kovalev; you see signs of brilliance, and alot of upside and skill, but for all that talent, he is still good for the occasional brain fart (unnecessary yellows and the like). He has a ton of heart, though, and there is never a doubt that he constantly leaves it all on the pitch.

Smith will now be competing for the left sided position with Jeremy Hall, the Bulls first round pick this season.

Personally, I feel it is a good move. Smith has all the right tools, and to use another played out sports cliche, the right manager may be able to bring out that beast from deep within him. He is a national team player with Bermuda, which is a testament to his skill, but it is his passion for the game that is never in question. That will be clear to all Bulls fans anytime he steps on the pitch.

What do you feel about this signing?

img credit: getty images

Some Related Red Bulls Posts:

Category: +++ MY INFO +++, CURRENT ROSTER, Misc, NATIONAL NEWS, News, Offseason, Red Bulls, Signings, daveredbulls(a)hotmail.com

« (FORMER) RED BULLS 2 – MEXICO 0 | Home | Angel Got Wings ‘Til 2011! »

nolayups

any player who will give 100% every night is my kind of guy. We seem to be rebuilding towards speed, athleticism and youth overall so this move makes a lot of sense
Eugene

Dave, just wanted to point out that I believe Hall has been tried at a number of positions, but not left wing. He's played centrally, now he's playing at right back...

I'm reading the writing on the wall, but hey, the season is long.
Matt

For some reason, everytime I saw him live (RB vs Revs), he was infuriatingly poor. Not that I cared as a RB's supporter, but you could tell the dude had the potential to just take over a game at any moment with his pace, and just wasted it with poor decision making and an even worse first touch. I just hope we can bring out the best in him.
Eugene

Laurie,

I agree, I think this guy wanted to stay on the east coast. That said, I am definitely concerned that he was beat out for the left wing spot in Seattle by rookie Steve Zakuani. I'm hoping the issue is that Khano's heart wasn't into it, not that a rookie was superior to him.

--

If Smith ends up being our only left wing signing, I will be upset. However, if another credible left wing is signed, in the event that Khano doesn't work out, I'll be happy that there is another qualified player that can start and we won't have a hole there.
Almedin

I definitely agree with you Dave. Khano Smith has so much potential and I also believe that Osorio can bring out the best of him.. Whatever will help the Red Bulls become the MLS cup Champion has my vote.. Let's Go Red Bulls!
Laurie

Somehow I think he'll fit better with you guys than he would have with us.
Dave Martinez

Borman was being featured as a left back as well. So he is definitely a contender. And for all the talk of Hall being a box to box guy, it seems the Bulls already have a few of those, which is why I think he may still be gettting some looks for the left side. Good call none the less.

As you say, with the upcoming Argie trip, Khano will most likely have some solid competition come March.
Eugene

I think it's a good signing, but I'm not sure that he'll be starting on the left wing. Depends on the other guys Osorio is looking at and the trialists in Argentina.

I don't think Osorio sees Hall as a left wing. There have repeatedly been comments of Hall as a box-to-box midfielder, which to me means that he will play inside supporting Rojas and connecting our lines.

So it seems that at the moment Khano is competing with Borman and Roth, but I'm guessing there could be additional competition for the starting left wing spot in the not too distant future.

For the price, the versatility, the pace & athleticism (& height) that he brings, in addition to being a veteran in MLS, I think it's a good acquisition. I'm less worried about our teaming not having balance left to right on day one of the season.