Tuesday April 15, 2008
ATLANTA—The Silverbacks continue to build on an already strong roster this week signing forward/midfielder Chris Mahaffey and defender Tate Parrish. The signings still pend USSF approval, but both are expected to be available for Saturday's home opener.

Photo Caption
(Parrish (middle) and Mahaffey (left) are the latest additions to Silverbacks roster. Both appeared as trialists in all five of the Silverbacks' preseason scrimmages. Parrish, a rookie, netted the side's only goal in a 1-1 draw at the University of Alabama-Birmingham.

Both players are a product of the Silverbacks U-23 PDL squad, and played youth soccer in Atlanta. Mahaffey enters the season with previous professional experience in the German lower divisions. This is Parrish's first year as a professional.  

“We brought both of them in for a close look in the preseason and they proved themselves to be quality players,” said head coach Jason Smith. “Both show great promise. We look forward to watching them develop.”

Mahaffey, 23, came to the attention of the Silverbacks' coaching staff after a strong 2007 with the Silverbacks U-23s, making seven appearances and adding one goal. He played two years of college soccer at Georgia State University (2003-2004) before venturing to Germany, where he tallied five goals in four appearances with German third division club KFC Uerdingen. A versatile player with soft touch and a powerful shot, Mahaffey can play either in the midfield or in a more advanced position.  He appeared in all five of the Silverbacks preseason scrimmages.

“In his time with us, Chris has shown glimpses of brilliance,” Smith said. “We still have to find out exactly where he is going to fit in to the team—in the midfield or up front. Once he acclimates  I can see him doing very well for us.”

Parrish, 21, joins the Silverbacks first team after leading Clemson University (2006-2007) in scoring—playing out of position as a forward— his senior year with six goals. He began his collegiate career at Appalachian State University, where he and his brother Carter book-ended the back line. In two years at ASU he tallied four goals in 38 appearances, earning All-Conference honors his sophomore year. With the Silverbacks U-23s he featured 15 times in 15 appearances, scoring two goals.

“Tate has shown a lot this preseason,” said Smith. “He should learn a lot as David Hayes' understudy. He has the potential to be a very good player in this league.”

The Silverbacks kick off the 2008 regular season Saturday at 7:55 p.m., hosting the Carolina RailHawks at Silverbacks Park.