Atlanta Siverbacks Soccer Club Shut Down Men’s Pro Team for 2009
Posted by Footballer on November 19, 2008
2008 United Soccer Leagues (USL) runners-up, the Atlanta Silverback, haves announced that they will not be fielding a Men’s team for the 2009 season. On the club’s site, the organization cited the poor US economy and the possibility of an MLS franchise arriving to the Metro Atlanta area in the near future.
The club did not issue any statement regarding its Women’s professional team or its Under-23 team. The latter campaigns in the USL Professional Development League (PDL) whilst the former plays in the W-League.
The Silverbacks have featured several well known players throughout the years including Justin Fashanu and Liam George. Internationally capped players who have represented the ‘Backs in recent years include Brent Sancho of Trinidad and Tobago, Ignace Moleka of the DR of Congo and Honduran legend Alex Pineda Chacón.
Macoumba Kandji of the Silverbacks is currently on loan with MLS Cup 2008 finalists New York Red Bulls.
Here is the statement from the Silverbacks’ website:
ATLANTA- The Atlanta Silverbacks announced today that the Atlanta Silverbacks Men’s professional team will take the 2009 season off.Due to the state of the economy and the potential of an MLS team coming to town, the men’s pro team has decided to sit the year out while the Silverbacks assess the landscape.
“This was an extremely difficult decision that was prompted by the dynamic events in our economy and the soccer community. We would like to thank all of our fans and partners who have supported the team over the years and hope they continue to come out to the Women’s games,” said Atlanta Silverbacks General Manager, Michael Oki.
The Silverbacks Men had an impressive 2007 season, advancing to the USL League Finals and also received player accolades as David Hayes was named Defender of the Year. In 2008, after a host of injuries and close games, the Silverbacks ended an up-and-down season after being just shy of clinching a playoff spot.
Here’s some video from one of the Silverbacks’ recent home games. It features the club’s recently-built Atlanta Silverbacks Park.
