WESTFIELD, Mass. – Westfield State senior back Jabari Smith was named the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference men's soccer all-conference team on Wednesday.
"Clearly, Jabari was our anchor in the back," said Westfield State head coach John Evans. "There's no doubt in his competency, and his reading of the game, his communication to his fellow defenders, and his ability to defend 1 v 1 - all are spot on," said Evans. "He was very difficult to get past. When Jabari locked on to some one 1-on-1, more often than not that other guy left without the ball."
A native of Enfield, Conn., Smith started all 18 games for the Westfield State while anchoring the Owls back four.
Smith played two years of soccer at NCAA Division II American International before transferring to Westfield for the 2018 and 2019 seasons.
"Jabari showed tremendous improvement between last year and this year," said Evans. "He was a good player last year, but a great player this year. He has a strong practice ethic, and developed confidence in his style of play. I wish we had him for another year. He's not yet as good as he can be if he stays with the game."
Westfield finished 5-12-1 and 3-4 in the MASCAC. The Owls fell to Worcester State in the opening round of the MASCAC Tournament.