A longtime veteran presence in net for the UNC men’s soccer program, goalkeeper Alec Smir will now get to realize his professional dreams. After playing his final season for Carolina in 2021, Smir was selected in the 2022 MLS Superdraft by FC Dallas.

Dallas selected Smir with the sixth pick in the third round of the draft.

Smir was part of the Carolina program for five seasons, starting 11 matches as a freshman in 2017 before redshirting the next year. But from then on, Smir started every match for the Tar Heels for three consecutive seasons. As a junior in 2020, he led the ACC with a 0.57 goals against average and earned second team All-ACC honors, while leading the Tar Heels to a College Cup appearance.

He received even higher honors as a senior in 2021, being named as a first team All-ACC performer. Smir kept 11 clean sheets for Carolina this past season. He ends his career as a Tar Heel with a 70.1 save percentage and just 0.83 goals allowed per game.

“It’s kind of bittersweet, honestly, looking back,” Smir said before the draft. “I had a crazy experience coming in and playing that first season. It feels like years ago that I started. It’s been bittersweet because there have been so many incredible memories, individual games, moments with your teammates and coaches. It’s sad that its over but it’s exciting looking forward to what’s next.”

Smir may get some early chances to prove himself next season. FC Dallas ranked last in the MLS Western Conference during the 2021 season with 56 goals allowed.

 

Featured image via UNC Athletic Communications/Jeffrey A. Camarati

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