Smith brings USL Championship and MLS experience to Fuego FC
FRESNO, Calif. – Central Valley Fuego FC today announced Adam Smith as the Sporting Director for the club’s USL League One and Two teams for the inaugural 2022 season.
With over a decade of experience, Smith has served as a coach and manager for top-tier teams in USL Championship and MLS. Most recently, Smith was the CEO and Director of Soccer with USL League Two side, Ventura County Fusion. Before joining Fusion, Smith was the Head Coach for the former Fresno FC of USL Championship (2017-2019). Prior to moving to Fresno, he was the Assistant Head Coach for Sacramento Republic FC of the USL Championship in 2016. Smith also spent a five-year tenure (2010-2015) in MLS with the Portland Timbers, serving as the First Team Goalkeeping Coach, Academy Director, and Reserve Team Assistant Coach.
“I would like to thank Ranbir Shergill, owner of Ventura County Fusion, for providing me with an opportunity to get back into the game after the disappointing loss of the Fresno FC franchise. Fusion is a great Club!” said Adam Smith. “I would also like to thank Juan Ruelas for bringing professional fútbol back to the Central Valley, Fuego FC will be a fantastic Club! It feels so good to be home. Dale Fuego!”
Born in England (now a US Citizen), Smith was raised in Liverpool, Merseyside. He began his professional playing career in 1992 playing for Walsall FC of EFL League Two in Walsall, West Midlands, England. Throughout his career, he competed for teams in the Welsh National League, Scottish Premiership, Singapore Premier League, and the American Professional Soccer League. Smith has won back-to-back USL National Championships with The Long Island Rough Riders (2002) and the Wilmington Hammerheads (2003).