FC Edmonton goalkeeper John Smits will join the Montreal Impact after the Eddies season opener

FC Edmonton announced on Saturday a temporary loan deal with Montreal Impact over Canadian goalkeeper John Smits. Smits will serve as the backup to Evan Bush during the second leg of the Champions League Semifinals against Alajuelense, on Tuesday at 10pm, in Costa Rica (TVA Sports, Sportsnet, TSN radio 690).

“I think it’s a fantastic opportunity for John,” FC Edmonton’s head coach Colin Miller said. “It gives him a massive lift and compliment to him that Montreal want to take him to Costa Rica. It also shows that two Canadian clubs can work closely together to help each other out in a situation like this. We’re all 100 percent behind the move and it’s a win-win for everyone.”

The Impact needed a backup for this game as Eric Kronberg is cup-tied and cannot play, having already taken part in the tournament with Sporting Kansas City. In addition, Impact goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau is still bothered by a shoulder injury.

Smits, 26, started 35 games in three seasons with the Eddies in the North American Soccer League (NASL), winning the Golden Glove Award in 2014 as the league’s top ‘keeper, after finishing the season with a league leading 0.90 GAA. He started 20 of the 27 matches for the Eddies, registering a 6-9-5 record, with six shutouts.

“We are pleased to add John Smits to our roster for this Champions League game,” Impact Technical Director Adam Braz said. “We would like to thank FC Edmonton for the loan and acknowledge this gesture of solidarity by them to another Canadian organization.”

Smits will join the Impact in Costa Rica Sunday after FC Edmonton season opening match on Saturday against Jacksonville Armada FC at 7:30 p.m. ET and streamed on ESPN3 and TSNGO.