“One of my goals is to have continuity in the team, and having these players extend and re-sign their contracts gives us a good foundation. They will carry over a chemistry that is very important to our team. The players’ contract extensions demonstrate their commitment to the Silverbacks and our goals for the future,” commented Head Coach Jason Smith. 
 
USL All-League First Team defender and Silverbacks MVP, Matt Bobo, added a two-year extension to his current contract which will keep him in Atlanta through the 2009 season. The 2006 season was Bobo’s first season with Atlanta; he was the only field player in the USL First Division to play in every minute of every game during the 2006 season. “I’ve enjoyed my first year with the Silverbacks. It’s been a good fit for me and I look forward to my future in Atlanta,” commented Bobo on his contract extension.

Silverbacks’ goalie, Felipe Quintero, also added a two-year extension to his contract that will keep him in Atlanta through the 2009 season. The 2006 season was Quintero’s first season with Atlanta; the ten-year veteran of the professional leagues in Mexico wasted no time making his presence known in his first season in the USL. He finished the season in 5th place in USL rankings for Goalkeeping Shutouts, Goalkeeping Wins, and Goalkeeping Saves.

Silverbacks’ defender, David Hayes, re-signed with Atlanta in a new three-year contract. Hayes joined the Silverbacks in 2005 and has played two seasons with Atlanta. Hayes is a key in the Silverbacks’ backline where he started for Atlanta in 27 games during the 2006 season. “I’m very happy with the organization and the direction it’s going. With the commitment the Silverbacks have to the team and to the sport, I feel completely comfortable committing myself to the organization,” commented Hayes on his new contract. 

Silverbacks’ midfielder, Tony McManus, re-signed with Atlanta in a new two-year contract. McManus also joined the Silverbacks in 2005 and has played two seasons with Atlanta. McManus supported the Silverbacks from the central midfield where he started for Atlanta in 26 games during the 2006 season. “I’ve enjoyed my first two seasons with Atlanta and I like the direction the organization is headed. I’m happy with what Coach Smith is doing with the team and the players he’s bringing in; it can only improve on what we’ve done so far,” commented McManus on his new contract. 

The Silverbacks have loaned leading goal-scorer and forward, Machel Millwood, to the Baltimore Blast of the Major Indoor Soccer League. The Blast began their season on Saturday (11.4) and Millwood will return to the Silverbacks prior to the start of the 2007 USL First Division season.  Millwood scored two golden-goals in the semi-final and final match last year to lead the Blast to the MISL Championship; he was voted the MVP of the 2006 MISL Championship Series.

The Silverbacks have also announced six players that will not be returning for the 2007 season - Alex Pineda-Chacon, Antonio De La Torre, Adilson DeLima, Liam George, Shaun Kalnasy, and Marlon Rojas.

SILVERBACKS SEASON TICKETS ON SALE NOW
          Season tickets went on sale yesterday (11.6.06) for another exciting soccer season with the Atlanta Silverbacks Men and the Atlanta Silverbacks Women. Both teams call RE/MAX Greater Atlanta Stadium home; the Silverbacks Men play 14 home games, while the women play seven home games. Season ticket packages start as low as $56 for the Women and $140 for the Men. Click here for additional season ticket information or call 1-866-GO-BACKS.

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