Don Smart, the veteran Jamaican striker and midfielder who was the first player ever signed by Forward Madison in October 2018, has been voted the Midseason Most Valuable Player in USL League One.
Smart earned 37 percent of the fan vote, ahead of South Georgia Tormenta’s Connor Antley, who early 31 percent. Other nominees included North Texas SC forwards Ronaldo Damus and Ricardo Pepi, and Steven Beattie of Chattanooga Red Wolves.
Smart leads the Flamingos with four goals on the season, including both the equalizer and game-winner in the team’s pivotal 4-1 win over league leaders North Texas SC. His second goal of that match was voted Goal of the Week.
He has also added three assists in 13 matches this season. His 20 key passes are tied for third in League One, and he has recorded a team-leading 28 crosses with an accuracy rate of 35.7 percent and also chipped in defensively with 11 tackles won and 12 interceptions.
“A great honor for a great guy,” said Forward Madison Managing Director Peter Wilt. “Don has consistently been a threat offensively. We will need him to continue that level of play to compete for a playoff spot in the second half of the season.”
Forward Madison currently sits in seventh place, but only five points out of playoff position.
Smart was unavailable for comment as the team travels to Statesboro, Georgia, to take on South Georgia Tormenta Saturday night.
