Tuesday November 6, 2007
         The Atlanta Silverbacks announced the acquisition of Ansu Toure through a trade with the Minnesota Thunder, pending USSF approval. Toure will join the Silverbacks’ squad in exchange for Dayton O’Brien. Toure played in 24 games for the Thunder in 2007; he logged 1,299 minutes as well as recorded two goals and one assist. The player-for-player trade will see Toure under contract with the Silverbacks through the 2008 season.  
         “Dayton O’Brien did really well for us in 2007, but we could not pass up the opportunity to add Ansu Toure to our roster. He is a very dynamic player who is able to play throughout the midfield and upfront. I’m excited to see what he can do in a Silverbacks uniform,” commented Head Coach Jason Smith.
          Toure, 5-11, 162, made his first appearance in the USL First Division in 2006 with the Minnesota Thunder. Just two minutes into his debut, he scored his first USL-1 goal… against the Atlanta Silverbacks on July 30. The Silverbacks went on to win 3-2; Toure went on to finish the season with four goals in ten games played. Before joining the Thunder midway through the 2006 season, he spent two months in camp with MLS side, the New York Red Bulls. Toure also spent time with the St. Paul Twin Stars in the National Premier Soccer League where he scored 27 goals in 14 games. The 26-year-old midfielder is a native of Monrovia, Liberia.
          O’Brien played in 19 games for the Silverbacks in 2007; he recorded one goal in 591 minutes of play. He began his USL First Division career with the Silverbacks.
          The Atlanta Silverbacks will hold three open tryouts on December 14-16; January 25-27; and February 22-24. For more information visit www.atlantasilverbacks.com or call 404-969-4900.

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