Boyds, Md. (October 20, 2018) – Washington Spirit defender Taylor Smith has joined Newcastle Jets FC of the Australian W-League for the duration of the 2018 NWSL offseason.

Smith has signed a one-season contract with Newcastle, and will compete in the W-League season which run from October 2018 through early February 2019. Smith will return to the Spirit after the offseason.

Smith joined the Spirit via a trade from the North Carolina Courage last January, and went on to lead the team in total minutes played with 2,064 minutes over 23 games in the 2018 NWSL season. Smith has also made eight appearances for the U.S. Women’s National Team, and played the 2018 NWSL season for the Spirit as an allocated Federation Player.

Last year, Newcastle Jets FC finished third in the Australian W-League, with 20 points and a record of 6-2-4. The 2018-2019 Australian W-League season kicks off in November for the Jets, with Newcastle’s first fixture set for Nov. 1 against Melbourne Victory.