Atlanta Silverbacks

The Atlanta Silverbacks announced today the addition of three defenders to the 2007 squad - Luis Liendo, John Queeley, and Alvin Hudson. The contracts for Liendo and Queeley are both pending international clearance.

“One of our major concerns after the 2006 season was our goals-against-average; our coaching staff felt that we needed to solidify our starting lineup in the back and add depth as well. These three players will hopefully fulfill that goal for the upcoming 2007 season," commented Head Coach Jason Smith. "Queeley is a strong defender and gives us a lot of pace going forward at the outside right back position; Liendo, a left-footed defender, brings valuable international experience and leadership to the back line; Hudson has a reputation for being dominant in the air and will hopefully give us greater depth in the line up.”

          Liendo, a former member of the Bolivian National Team, joins the Silverbacks from Italian professional side, Novara Calcio. Liendo, 6-0, 176, has played in the third division of the Italian professional leagues, “Serie C,” since February of 2001. Before playing in Italy, the 29-year-old Liendo played in his home country of Bolivia in the First Division. Liendo began his professional career in Argentina, when he played for the Boca Juniors Reserves. In addition to his professional play, Liendo represented his country and earned 13 caps with the Bolivian National Team.

          Queeley, 6-2, 180, began his professional career last season in the USL First Division after being selected by the Puerto Rico Islanders in the USL College Draft. The 23-year-old Queeley played in 25 games with the Islanders last season, recording 2031 minutes and two assists. He played out his college career at North Carolina State University where he led the Wolfpack from the right-back and right-mid positions. Queeley made 68 appearances in his four seasons with NC State, starting every game in which he played.

Hudson , 6-0, 180, competed for the U20 Canadian National Team and captained the U17 Canadian National Team. The 30-year-old Hudson spent his collegiate career at the University of Illinois-Chicago. Hudson last played for the Minnesota Thunder in 2003.

The Silverbacks also announced the release of Maurice Hughes; Hughes played in five games with the Silverbacks during the 2006 season; he recorded 33 minutes and scored one goal.
The Silverbacks will begin their official preseason on March 19, a little over one month before the home opener on April 21 against the Montreal Impact. A variety of season ticket packages designed to fit anyone’s needs are now available; contact the Silverbacks’ ticket office at (866) GO-BACKS for more information.

WHO HAS THE BEST FANS… PART II
Last season, the Atlanta Silverbacks and the Gwinnett Gladiators kicked off the Fan Spirit Challenge – a competition to see which fans are the most supportive, rabid, and enthusiastic… soccer fans or hockey fans? The first part of the alternating home-venue challenge was held on August 12th when the Silverbacks took on the Puerto Rico Islanders. Now, after seven months, the Silverbacks’ fans have the chance to answer the burning question and let everyone know that soccer fans are the best! Silverbacks fans are invited to wear ‘Backs gear to show their spirit at Silverbacks Soccer Night at Gwinnett Arena on Saturday, March 17. In honor of the soccer pitch and the fact that it’s St. Patrick’s Day, the Gladiators will be painting the ice green and the first 2,000 fans will also receive a free t-shirt. To order tickets, visit www.gwinnettgladiators.com and enter the special discount code, YSOCCER317.