Sounders release injured F Smith

Sounders release injured F Smith
Seattle Sounders soccer coach Sigi Schmid, center, observes training as he stands with assistant coach Brian Schmetzer, upper left, Wednesday, Jan.. 21, 2009, during the first day of preseason training camp in Renton, Wash.
RENTON, Wash. (AP) - Forward Jarrod Smith has been released by the Seattle Sounders FC after spending the entire season on the disabled list.

Smith was released on Thursday. He underwent surgery last week to repair a torn right hamstring tendon and will continue his rehabilitation with the team. His MLS rights also remain with Seattle.

Smith spent most of June playing for the New Zealand national team. He appeared in two U.S. Open Cup games for the Sounders.

Seattle was also announced as a potential host for the U.S. Open Cup final. If Seattle beats Houston in next week's semifinals and Rochester of the USL First Division upsets D.C. United, then Seattle would host the final on Sept. 1.