Published: October 31, 2009 08:53 pm      

Navarro soccer: Smith brings English touch to Corsicana

Toni Smith was caught off guard Friday when a reporter quizzed her on English soccer, asking her about every player on the country’s national team.

“Yes, I’m surprised,” she said, letting out a laugh.

Smith knows her soccer. Her favorite English Premier League team is Arsenal. Her least favorite team is Manchester United (her interviewer’s preferred team).

Her favorite player is Stephen Gerrard, who made news last year after getting into a bar fight in England.

Her favorite place to be right now? Playing for the Navarro Lady Bulldogs soccer team, which will try to continue their season at 6 p.m. Sunday against Tyler for the Region XIV championship.

So how did Navarro track down a player from Essex, England? It happened at a showcase in Birmingham, England.

“They saw me,” Smith said. “I always wanted to play in the states.”

Navarro coach Debbie Bonner was actually tipped off by a Division I school, and Smith made a visit to Corsicana.

“It was a good atmosphere,” Smith said of the Navarro campus.

Obviously she was a little freaked out about Texas. OK, a lot.

“It was really hot and everything was so different,” Smith said. “Now I’m pretty used to it.”

Smith is the perfect compliment to striker Venicia Reid, who plays the beautiful game in a more beautiful manner. Smith plays like you would expect an English player to play.

“I like to get the ball off a pass and make a run,” Smith said. “I like to go to the goal.”

Smith’s coaches said she’s brought the English style of play to Corsicana.

“She’s 100 percent effort,” Navarro assistant coach Aric Bonner said. “She’s got heart. She’s a team leader. She’s level headed.”