CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Thursday, February 26, 2026) — Crown Legacy FC today announced the re-signing of English defender Jamie Smith to an MLS NEXT Pro contract through the 2027 season, with an option for 2028. Smith will take on a player-coach role and be involved with the Club’s coaching staff.
“We are very pleased to bring Jamie back to Crown Legacy in a newly expanded role,” said Assistant General Manager Bobby Belair. “The leadership and experience that he brings to the team is an invaluable asset, especially with the number of younger players beginning their professional careers with Legacy. Jamie showed the impact he can make within the Club last season, and we are happy to sign him to a multi-year contract with increased responsibilities on and off the pitch.
Smith joined Crown Legacy FC prior to the 2025 season, going on to appear in 11 matches and scoring a match-tying goal against Huntsville City FC in April. Smith also began working on his coaching badges, mentoring and guiding younger players as they began their professional careers.
Before his time in Charlotte, Smith played for USL League One side Greenville Triumph where he made 64 appearances in two seasons, as well as tallied eight goal contributions. Smith’s defensive leadership on the field helped earn The Triumph their finish as USL league One Runner-Up in 2022. He also competed at the collegiate level at Limestone University from 2017-18 and North Carolina State University from 2019-21.
Name: Jamie Smith
Transaction: Crown Legacy FC re-signs defender Jamie Smith to an MLS NEXT Pro contract through 2027, with an option for 2028.
Position: Defender
Height: 6’1”
Birthdate: 12/25/1997 (28)
Hometown: Birmingham, England
Crown Legacy FC Roster as of February 26, 2026:
Goalkeeper (1)\\\\: Jahiem Wickham
Defenders (4)\\\\: Ashton Kamdem, Assane Ouedraogo, Willian Sangoquiza, Jamie Smith
Midfielders (4)\\\\: Aron John, Daniel Longo, Erik Peña, Andrej Subotić
Forwards (4)\\\\: Rodolfo Aloko, Barzee Blama, Nathan Richmond, Emmanuel Uchegbu
