The Atlanta Silverbacks today announced the team has agreed to terms with Liam George and Maurice Hughes. George joins the Silverbacks with years of experience playing professionally in Europe, while Hughes is beginning his professional career. Silverbacks’ Head Coach Jason Smith says both players will be offensive threats for the team,

“Maurice gives us another strong, attacking player on the left side, and creates another option up-front. Liam is an extremely talented player with the ability to have a presence in the midfield or upfront, and I’m looking forward to utilizing his pro experience.”

Liam George, 5-10, 163, joins the Silverbacks with more than ten years of professional playing experience.  George rose through the ranks with League Championship team - Luton Town Football Club in England. George, a native of Ireland, played with the Republic of Ireland’s U18 team when the team won the 1998 UEFA European Cup. During the championship match, George put away a penalty kick to seal the title and was selected to the All-Tournament team. During his 19 games with the U18 team, George scored 10 goals. He later played with the Republic of Ireland’s U21 team, scoring four goals. George has signed a contract with the Silverbacks and he'll be cleared to play after he receives international clearance. 

Maurice Hughes, 6-1, 175, comes to the Silverbacks from the University of Alabama-Birmingham. Hughes, a newcomer to the professional level, began his USL experience last year when he played in the Premier Development League (PDL) with the Williamsburg Legacy (5 goals, 1 assist). He spent his junior and senior seasons with the UAB Blazers, helping them earn a spot in the nation’s top 25 both years and earning All-CUSA honors in 2005. During his freshman and sophomore year, Hughes led his junior college, Yavapai JC, to back-to-back NJCAA national championship games with 39 goals in two seasons. While at Yavapai JC, Hughes earned NSCAA JC All-American and NJCAA tournament MVP (2002, 2003). Hughes may be far from his hometown of Phoenix, Arizona, but Atlanta has an important place in his past,  

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to start my professional career with the Atlanta Silverbacks Organization. With the city of Atlanta being my place of birth, I’m even more excited to be back here pursuing my goals as a professional soccer player.”

The Atlanta Silverbacks Men have hosted four tryouts that were open to the public.  Before finalizing the 2006 roster, the team will hold an invitational tryout which will include select players from the open tryouts and other players directly invited by the Silverbacks’ coaching staff. The team begins the season on the road in Puerto Rico on Fri., April 21. The Silverbacks Men will open the new stadium at Atlanta Silverbacks Park on Fri., June 3 at 7:30 pm.

Public Relations Manager - Emmakate Young - 404.969.4902