Atlanta Silverbacks

The Atlanta Silverbacks announced Alex Pineda-Chacon will join the Silverbacks’ coaching staff for the 2007 season. After an international playing career spanning more than 18 years, Pineda-Chacon announced his retirement as a professional soccer player last week.

“We’re excited that Alex has decided to begin his coaching career with us; he has a wealth of experience as a player both in the United States and abroad,” commented Head Coach Jason Smith. “We are confident that his knowledge of the game will be beneficial to both our coaching staff and our team’s success in 2007.”

Pineda-Chacon joined the Silverbacks’ squad in 2004. A veteran of the professional arena, the 2001 MLS MVP has always played a leadership role with the Silverbacks. He was named to the All A-League First Team for the 2004 season and served as team captain during the 2005 season.

“I’ve been happy with the Atlanta Silverbacks for all three seasons that I’ve been with the team. It’s an honor and a great opportunity that Jason Smith has asked me to join the coaching staff," explained Pineda-Chacon. "I have been a professional soccer player for over 18 years and I’m excited to begin this new episode in my life. I look forward to the challenge and I have a vision to accomplish great things at this new level.”

Pineda-Chacon, a former member of the Honduran National Team, represented his country for more than ten years and helped the team advance to the final round of World Cup Qualifying in 2001. Between 1989 and 2001, he led Honduran professional side Olimpia to six league titles, five Central American Championships, and a CONCACAF Champions Cup Title (1988).

JOIN THE ATLANTA SILVERBACKS AT FIESTA ATLANTA ‘07

The Atlanta Silverbacks announced they will be participating in Fiesta Atlanta '07, a Hispanic themed Cinco de Mayo celebration set to take place on Sunday, May 6th, 2007 at Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta. Fiesta Atlanta is a Lanza Group, LLC production.

The Atlanta Silverbacks will be present at the event all day long and feature appearances by some of their star players. The Silverbacks will sign autographs, take pictures with fans, and test the soccer skills of any volunteers. In regards to being a part of Fiesta Atlanta'07, Laura Fedrigo, Director of Marketing, said: "We are very excited to have found yet another touch point for us to reach out to Atlanta's growing Hispanic population. Hispanics have not only been very strong supporters of our team, but also enthusiastic participants of our amateur leagues and local championships. We are very happy to be able to interact with this public and to be part of a great Hispanic festival such as Fiesta Atlanta '07."

Ralph Herrera, Lanza Group President, said, "We are extremely happy to count upon the support of such a terrific organization with strong ties in the Hispanic community, as the Atlanta Silverbacks are. They are a great and valuable addition to Fiesta Atlanta and will add even more excitement to this day of music, food, fun, games and wholesome family entertainment."

Fiesta Atlanta '07 will run from 10am through 7pm on Sunday May 6th, 2007 and feature local and national musical acts performing on the park's main stage as well as children's entertainment performed on the children's stage. Additionally, an artist's market and food from many Latin American countries will be part of the festival.

Additional information on Fiesta Atlanta can be obtained by calling (404) 350-0200 or via email at info@lanzagroup.com or visit www.fiestaatlanta.com. Fiesta Atlanta is a Lanza Group production www.lanzagroup.com. For more information on the Atlanta Silverbacks, visit www.atlantasilverbacks.com.