Wednesday November 14, 2007
          The Atlanta Silverbacks announced the return of former Silverbacks forward Jason McLaughlin and the addition of midfielder Mike Ambersley, pending USL and USSF clearance. McLaughlin and Ambersley agreed to terms in three and two year contracts, respectively. Both of the young players have proven their worth in the USL First Division since their league debut in the 2006 season.

          “McLaughlin was a great player for us in 2006 and our team is even stronger now. He has a fantastic work rate and fits in well with our returning players,” commented Head Coach Jason Smith. “He did well for us both on and off the field; we’re happy to have him back to give us some much needed depth up top.”
           McLaughlin spent the 2007 season with the Vancouver Whitecaps. The Silverbacks traded him and Fabian Dawkins to the Montreal Impact prior to the 2007 season in one of the biggest trades in USL history. The Impact later traded the 25-year-old forward to the Whitecaps where he played in 19 games, logged 551 minutes and recorded one assist. During the 2006 season, McLaughlin played in 28 games for Atlanta, logged 2041 minutes, scored five goals and recorded two assists. He was second on the team for goals scored.
         
           “We’re excited to have Michael playing with us in Atlanta. He’s a creative midfielder who was very effective against us last year,” commented Head Coach Smith. “He’s the type of player that can have an immediate impact for us in the 2008 season.”     
            Ambersley spent the 2007 season with the Rochester Raging Rhinos where he sat out from June 8 to September 8 with a bruised heel. The 24-year-old native of St. Louis, MO played in 14 games for the Rhinos. He logged 764 minutes, scored two goals, and recorded one assist. He made his USL-1 debut in 2006 with Rochester; he played in 18 games and logged 924 minutes. He began his professional career when he was drafted by FC Dallas in the fourth round (43rd overall) of the 2006 MLS SuperDraft. 

           The Silverbacks also announced the release of midfielder Rafique Hassim. Hassim played in 24 games for the Silverbacks in 2007; he logged 1378 minutes and scored four goals before suffering a season-ending injury on August 17.
           “Unfortunately due to family obligations, Rafique had to return to South Africa. He helped us greatly during our most successful season ever and we wish him the best of luck in the future,” said Head Coach Smith.

SILVERBACKS SCOOP FOR CHARITY
    Tony McManus (Atlanta Silverbacks Men) and Tara Minnax (Atlanta Silverbacks Women) helped out during the second annual Maggie Moos Celebrity Scoop Night. The event, held last Saturday night (November 10), benefited the Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation.

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