UPDATED: Charlotte 49ers soccer: New England Revolution select Donnie Smith w/ 21st pick in MLS SuperDraft

Jan 11, 2013; Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA; Charlotte midfielder Donnie Smith (57) during the MLS player combine at Central Broward Regional Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports.

It took a little while, but Donnie Smith got the call he was looking for. The New England Revolution selected the outgoing Charlotte 49ers midfielder with the 21st pick in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft.

Smith, a key component in the Niners’ run to the national championship game in 2011, scored four goals and four assists in 2012 as Charlotte advanced to the 2nd round of the NCAA tournament this season. The Matthews, NC native was a College Cup All-Tournament selection in 2011 following a five goal, three assist season. He combined for nine goals in his first two seasons in 2009 and 2010, giving him 18 for his career.

Last season, the Revolution finished out of the MLS playoffs with a 9th place, second-to-last record in the Eastern Conference (9-17-8). They may best be described as the Buffalo Bills of the league, advancing to four MLS Cup finals (in 2002 and three consecutive in 2005-07) but failing to win either one.

UPDATED, 3:40pm: Here’s some reaction coming in from the Twitter world about the pick:

My man Kent Miller’s nephew Donnie Smith just got drafted by the MLS New England Revolution!Congrats!#SoccerIsASport!

— tclark (@DatOtherDudeTC) January 17, 2013

Congrats to former UNCC and @csa_recsoccer standout Donnie Smith after being selected by the New England Revolution of the MLS

— Mark Smith (@smittyfbw5) January 17, 2013

Presumably, Donnie Smith to be Nguyen’s apprentice. Intrigued by what Spencer can give #nerevs up top. A young Pepe Moreno, w/o the ‘tude?

— Brian O’Connell (@BrianOConnell21) January 17, 2013

FANSHOT: Donnie Smith highlights, from @bwidell ow.ly/gUgtd #NERevs

— Steven Stoehr (@Stoehrst) January 17, 2013

Shipping up to Boston! Extremely blessed and grateful for the opportunity ahead. Can’t wait to start the hard work. Thanks everyone! #revs

— Donnie Smith (@Donnie9Smith) January 17, 2013

Proud day for the program @donnie9smith drafted to the New England revolution #charlottesoccer #charlotteinthepros twitter.com/49ersoccer/sta…

— Charlotte M. Soccer (@49ersoccer) January 17, 2013

@donnie9smith is goin to THE NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION! Congrats man!

— Will Mayhew (@WillMayhew) January 17, 2013

Now that @donnie9smith has been picked, I can get back to work. My productivity is going to be very poor today.

— Lewis Morgan (@49erLew) January 17, 2013

Well, I’m now a revolution fan. Good stuff @donnie9smith

— Ryan Benson (@littlebenson) January 17, 2013