ROCHESTER, Mich. - Goalkeeper Aiden Smith will join the 2022 Oakland men's soccer roster announced by Head Coach Eric Pogue. 

An incoming freshman from Rockford, Michigan, Smith plays for the Midwest United MLSNEXT Academy team. While playing for the Midwest United FC in 2018 he was named to the National League Top XL team. He also made his presence known early at Rockford High School and earned a starting spot on the varsity squad as a sophomore. 

"Aiden is someone I've been tracking on for a few years now, as he's got all the qualities to be a top-level NCAA D1 goalkeeper. I think Aiden will thrive in our intense Oakland Goalkeeping training environment and has a bright future in Black & Gold now and in the future," Pogue said. "Aiden's a very confident GK with good athleticism, great shot-stopping ability, strong distribution skills with his feet, and a good leadership presence with top communication skills for someone his age. He is passionate about the GK position, and he can't wait to start training day in and day out in our 'Lab.'"

Smith on coming to Oakland 
"What made me choose Oakland was the intensity of their program, especially with Coach Pogue's focus on goalkeeping. That environment is hard to come by, I think, and it's what sold me in my commitment to Oakland."

Smith's top three reasons for choosing Oakland
1. Soccer
2. In-state
3. To learn