Smeltz to Turkey

New Zealand striker Shane Smeltz, 29, is leaving Australian football team Gold Coast United having signed a two-year deal with Turkish Süper Lig club Gençlerbirligi S.K. The reigning A-League Golden Boot played in United’s opening two games of the season, scoring a double in the Coast’s 3-3 draw with his former club Wellington Phoenix. “Naturally we will be sorry to see Shane go but we are pleased that he may now be able to pursue his dream of playing with a major overseas club,” United CEO Clive Mensink said. On 2 June 21, at the seven minute mark of the 21 World Cup match against reigning champions Italy, Smeltz scored the opening goal, enabling the All Whites to draw the game 1-1. He was born in Göppingen, Germany.