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MONTREAL -- When Blake Smith scored his first goal in Major League Soccer, the rookie did a cartwheel followed by a perfectly executed back flip. The Montreal Impact hope to see more of those acrobatics from the energetic midfielder they selected eighth overall in this years MLS SuperDraft. The 22-year-old has been used off the bench as a substitute with increasing regularity and has begun to make an impact on the scoresheet with a goal and an assist in his last two league games. "At the start of the season I wasnt getting into games and I used that as motivation to work hard in practice," Smith said this week. "I think the coaches saw that and gained confidence in me, so Im getting more playing time and Im trying to take advantage of my moments." The natural left-footer has been subbing in for Andres Romero late in recent games and may see action again as the Impact (7-2-2) visit Sporting Kansas City (6-4-4) in a key Eastern Conference match-up on Saturday night. Montreal arrived on a high after a 2-2 draw in Vancouver on Wednesday night gave them the Voyageurs Cup as winners of the Amway Canadian Championship and a berth in the CONCACAF Champions League. They have also won two MLS games in a row, and Smith figured in both. In a comeback 3-2 win over Salt Lake two weeks ago, the five-foot-10 Texan fed Matteo Ferrari for the game-winner in added time. Last Saturday, he was sent in on the left side by Patrice Bernier to score the insurance goal, again in extra time, in a 5-3 victory over Philadelphia. That had him bounding across the Saputo Stadium grass in celebration. "Its pretty crazy -- all my friends and family have congratulated me -- but now that Ive got that behind me, Im onto the next game," said Smith, who has been doing the backflips since high school. None of Smiths success is a surprise to Jeremy Fishbein, his coach the last four years at the powerhouse University of New Mexico. Smith scored 13 times in 68 games for the Lobos, and was an NCAA all-star in 2012. "Hes got a lot of fire in him," Fishbein said this week. "I felt he was going to be an excellent pro player. "Like anyone, theres an adaptation period. Hes on a veteran team. Hes playing well in that role now, but everyone aspires to be a 90-minute player and I hope he gets that chance." Fishbein said one of Smith strength is "tremendous lung capacity" that is ideal for playing the full game. But with the team doing well, so far coach Marco Schallibaum has preferred to continue using Smith off the bench, even with injuries to midfielders Davy Arnaud (concussion) and Andrea Pisanu (thigh), as well as forward Daniele Paponi (thigh). Fishbein wonders how much feedback Smith gets on a team with a European coach that is dominated by European, mostly Italian, veterans. Smith is also playing in a different country where the majority language is French. But the El Paso native looks to be fitting in well. Fishbein has watched Impact games and noted his progression. "He played safe and thats good at the start, but theres another level to him where hes going to break teams down," he said. With the Impact, Smith finds himself lining up with stars like ex-Bologna and Italy forward Marco Di Vaio and former AC Milan giant Alessandro Nesta. "It took some getting used to for sure," he said. "There are some guys here where its pretty intimidating to say youre teammates. "Youve got a World Cup winner (Nesta), and here I am coming from a college. But the adaptation wasnt too difficult. "Honestly, I had no expectations," he added. "I wanted first of all just to prove to myself that I was good enough to be here. As soon as I realized I could play with these guys, then my expectations are to be on the field and to find minutes and ultimately, to be a game changer." He is not alone in MLS. Smiths UNM teammate, the bushy-haired Devon Sandoval, was drafted in the second round and is now a starting forward for Real Salt Lake. Sandoval got his first MLS goal May 8 against New England. The two players exchanged texts of congratulation. Smiths first appearance was on March 30 when he subbed for Di Vaio in a 2-0 loss at Kansas City. The Kansas City player who did most of the damage was midfielder Graham Zusi, but he and defender Matt Besler are away with the U.S. national team for friendlies in Belgium and Germany. The teams meet again July 27 in Montreal. Four days after that, the MLS all-star game will be held at Sporting Park, where the leagues top players will take on Italian Serie-A club AS Roma. Custom Allan Houston Jersey . "Were just throwing s--- at the wall hoping something sticks," said Tortorella about the possible line combinations for Fridays game against Columbus. The Canucks have lost five straight games and six of their last seven, leaving them in a logjam in the Pacific Division, currently sitting fifth - good for ninth in the Western Conference. John Starks Jersey Large . Giroud, who wasnt in the starting lineup for two matches after allegations about his private life and a decline in form, scored twice in the first half. Tomas Rosickys chip made it 3-0 before half time at Emirates Stadium, while defender Laurent Koscielny scored an unmarked header in the second half. http://www.customknicksjersey.com/custom-phil-jackson-jersey-large-209w.html . Scott Kazmir allowed four hits in seven shutout innings, Michael Brantley hit a two-run homer in a three-run first inning and the Indians maintained their hold on an AL wild-card spot with a 4-1 win over the Houston Astros on Saturday night. Custom Mark Jackson Jersey . Now, correct me if Im wrong but I saw one official distinctly pointing at the net indicating a good goal but after an inconclusive review they overturned the goal. Shouldnt the ruling on the ice (good goal) stand after an inconclusive review? Why was this overturned? James Veaudry Pembroke, ON -- Hey Kerry, Youll get a lot of these, but why was the Montreal goal against Nashville Saturday night overturned? Eller puts the puck on net and the on ice ruling from the ref behind the net is a Montreal goal. Walt Frazier Jersey Large . Shot outdoors against the stunning backdrop of Banff, Alta., the networks 30-minute original production airs tonight at 8pm et/5pm pt on TSN2. The four All-Star teams will play for $100,000 in prize money during TSNs annual skins game, airing live this weekend on TSN from The Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre. GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Last summer, the Green Bay Packers drew more than 67,000 people to Lambeau Field for a practice. Yes, a practice.This year, they expect to top that.In something that happens perhaps only in the NFLs smallest city, the Packers said Wednesday night that this years event -- called Family Night -- has sold out.The team said more than 76,000 tickets were distributed. They went on sale less than a month ago and were $10 apiece.The event has historically drawn big crowds to Lambeau in part because the season-ticket waiting list is so long, but it also was a scrimmage as recently as 2013.The past two yeaars, however, coach Mike McCarthy changed the format to a modified training camp practice, and it will follow the same plan this year.ddddddddddddThe practice will feature some 11-on-11 periods that include live contact -- for everyone but the quarterbacks, who will wear the usual red practice jerseys. The team also puts on a fireworks show at the end of the evening.For those not able to score tickets, the practice will be televised live statewide and even in Michigans Upper Peninsula. 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