Sporting KC

Sporting KC signs first-round draft picks to MLS contracts

Published Feb. 15, 2018 11:51 a.m. ET

Goaltender Eric Dick and defender Graham Smith at the MLS Combine.

Eric Dick and Graham Smith, Sporting Kansas City's two first-round picks in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft last month, are now officially members of the team.

Dick, a 23-year-old goalkeeper, and Smith, a 22-year-old defender, signed one-year contracts with Sporting KC, the team announced Thursday. Both contracts include options for 2019, 2020 and 2021.

"Eric and Graham are two players who have made good impressions since joining our club for the preseason," Sporting KC manager Peter Vermes said in a team press release. "Eric has a lot of qualities that we look for in a goalkeeper, while Graham gives us additional depth along the backline."

"This is a dream come true," Dick said. "I'm very excited to compete at the next level and join a great goalkeeping unit, team and coaching staff. I hope to repay the faith they've shown in me going forward."

Dick made his preseason debut for Sporting KC on Jan. 27, contributing to a 2-0 victory over the Colorado Rapids. Smith featured in each of the club's three exhibition wins during the first leg of the 2018 preseason.

"I'm extremely excited to start my professional career in Kansas City," Smith said. "Everything I've seen so far leads me to believe this is a first-class organization, and I can't wait to start the season with my new teammates and coaches."

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