Former AC Milan Player Returns to Silverbacks Technical Staff

Silverbacks Welcome the Return of Former AC Milan Players to their Technical Staff

ATLANTA- Atlanta Silverbacks is excited to announce the return of former AC Milan, Olympiakos, and Colorado Rapids player Zizi Roberts as part of the technical staff for the 2017 season. Zizi was part of the coaching staff last year and have committed to working with the Atlanta Silverbacks Football club for the upcoming season. Zizi Roberts is a former Liberian soccer player who began his professional career in 1996 at the age of 17. Zizi played for eight different teams in his native Liberia, Switzerland, Greece, Italy and here in MLS with the Colorado Rapids. At an early age of 17, Roberts made his debut for the Liberian national team where he quickly became a key member of the team competing in two African cups of nations (1996 and 2002), making over 31 caps, scoring 9 goals and winning the Liberian Soccer Player of the Year in 2003. On the club level, Mr. Roberts played for AC Milan (1997 – 1999), Olympiakos (2001), and Colorado Rapids (2003 – 2004). Unfortunately, in 2005 Zizi career was cut short due to injury forcing him to retire from the game.  ‘‘We are fortunate to have Zizi as part of our organization. Zizi played the game at the highest level and with one of the greatest players out of Africa, and FIFA Ballon d’Or winner in George Weah. He knows what it takes to compete at the next level. As a young player, having someone like Zizi working with you daily is exciting. Atlanta Silverbacks is a developmental organization, and we are creating a platform to serve as a pathway for the next generation of football players. Having someone like Zizi at our disposal is an opportunity not too many clubs in our league have, and we are extremely excited about that, said Alvin Glay, Silverbacks Managing Partner. The Silverback will host open tryouts on January 3rd and 4th for the upcoming season. The Tryouts starts at 9AM at Atlanta Silverbacks Park and players can Register Here or at atlantsilverbacksfc.com.   If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Racquel Yeedia at, (404)-917-5216 or email at yeedia_snorti@yahoo.com.

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Atlanta Alert: Atlanta United may be interested in signing U.S.

Atlanta United may be interested in signing U.S. men’s national team goalkeeper Brad Guzan, according to a speculative tweet by ESPN analyst Taylor Twellman on Friday.

Guzan currently plays for Middlesbrough in the English Premier League, but has made just four starts in all competitions this season, having fallen behind Victor Valdez. Guzan, 32, previously played for Aston Villa after transferring from now-defunct Chivas in MLS. He has made 53 appearances for the U.S. men’s national team, and should still be in the mix for new manager Bruce Arena if he can secure consistent playing time.

An Atlanta United spokesman declined to comment on any of the reports regarding Guzan.

Atlanta United has one goalkeeper, Alexander Tambakis, and reportedly has agreed to a trade with Chicago for Atlanta native Sean Johnson. However, another report says that Atlanta United will trade Johnson to NYCFC for undisclosed assets.

Signing Guzan would be another bold move by Atlanta United, which will begin play in MLS in 2017. The club has already signed former Premier League striker Kenwyne Jones, as well as two young, up-and-coming Designated Players in Hector Villalba and Miguel Almiron, and hired former Barcelona and Argentina manager Gerardo Martino to work with the players. It has also signed three players who have made numerous appearances for the U.S. youth national teams: Andrew Carleton, Chris Goslin and Brandon Vazquez.

Atlanta United would have preference to sign Guzan over the remaining MLS teams because it has the top choice in Allocation Ranking List, which means it gets first rights to any U.S. men’s national team players who play in another league and but are coming to MLS.

Guzan wouldn’t become the team’s third and final Designated Player. Instead, he would reportedly be signed using an MLS mechanism calledTargeted Allocation Money , which are funds used to sign players that are considered just below the threshold of the high-dollar Designated Players.

Atlanta United has announced the signing of 10 players, not included reported trades for Johnson, Kevin Kratz and Michael Parkhurst. Those trades can be finalized and announced after the league approves them when the trade window opens Sunday.

Atlanta United will also have the first pick in Tuesday’s expansion draft.

Source: http://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-united-may-chasing-usmnt-goalkeeper/3xSKokbGx27oUzH7vMOC5K/

Over65 Rovers win in Thailand Tournament

                   The winners of Thailand Masters 2016 
 Jeff Freemyer - Karl-Heinz Lochner - Alan Vaughan - Ramiz Okyay- Louie Hren - Bob Gaare - Steve Lang - Marc Goetschalckx - George G - John Zonneveld - Pete Kealy - Mike Hagerty

The Atlanta Soccer Community mourns Daniel "Danny" Doogan Hay

Daniel "Danny" Doogan Hay

February 28, 1936 - December 3, 2016 

Resided in Sugar Hill, GA

Daniel "Danny" Doogan Hay, age 80, passed away December 3, 2016, in Duluth, GA. Danny was born in Campbeltown, Argyll, Scotland, in 1936 to the late Peter and Margaret Doogan Hay. After serving in the British Merchant Navy, he returned to Campbeltown and operated a fishing boat for several years.

He emigrated to the US in 1967 and settled in Decatur. He worked in commercial construction for 30 years before retiring in 1998.

Danny's lifelong passion for soccer got him involved immediately in the local Atlanta soccer scene. While he enjoyed playing himself, he found his true calling as a youth soccer coach. His Celtic and Datagraphics teams represented Georgia in a total of 10 regional tournaments, winning two and advancing to the nationals. Danny was the 2003 inductee into the Georgia State Soccer Hall of Fame.

Danny was an avid storyteller and entertained many with tales of growing up in Scotland, his travel adventures in the merchant navy and his years as a fisherman.

Danny is survived by his beloved wife, Elaine; his stepsons: Brad Martin and his wife, Terasa, and Tim Martin and his wife, Julie; step-grandchildren: Caleb, Erin and McLain Martin; his brother, Peter Hay; nephews: Scott Hay, Jack Colville, Danny and Neil McInnis; nieces: Isabel Higgs, Margaret and Frances; numerous great-nephews and nieces; and many more loving family and friends. In addition to his father, who is buried in Decatur, and his mother, who is buried in Campbeltown, he was preceded in death by his sisters Bridie Hay, Sadie McInnes and Mary Colville and her son, Peter.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Turner and Sons Funeral Home, 2773 North Decatur Rd., Decatur, on Friday, Dec. 9 at 2 pm. It will be conducted by Father Sunny, pastor of St. John Neumann Catholic Church where Danny was a member for many years. Family and friends are invited to a visitation following the service. Burial will be private.

League Alert: Marietta United Soccer League - 2016 Winter on Turf

Marietta United Soccer League - 2016 Winter on Turf - Declare your team Now! Good Morning Team Managers: with the deadline fast approaching, the teams needs need extra time to get organized so we are going to make some slight changes to our calendar. 1st game will be January 8th and we will add two "kick around" Sundays (11th & 18th) in December so we can still have a seven game season. Important - Managers must declare their team with the manager's name, team name, manager contact information including Email address and Mobile phone number.  The registration system is an INDIVIDUAL REGISTRATION system with registrants being added to team/player roster that the managers submit to the league.  INDIVIDUAL players need to be informed that they must give manager name at time of registration. To participate in the kick around, *players must be registered and paid.  We will be offering five ways for individual players to register and pay their $60.00 individual fee for 2016 winter season. Players choosing to pay by credit card need to add a an additional $2.00 for processing fee for credit card transactions/no transaction fees. (no additional fees for debit card payments) Players MUST include their team and managers name in their registration process. 1. Paypal - richardschellmen@yahoo.com 2. Venmo - Richard-Schellman. (please add $2.00 processing fee for all credit card transactions/no transaction fee for debit card payments) 3. Mail checks to Richard Schellmen  Mail Payments to: 2254 Byron Court SW Marietta 30064 4/5. Cash or check at the field * Once you have sent an email confirming that your team is in, we will send you a Team/Player roster. Rosters will need to emailed prior to, or you can bring a hard copy player roster to the field for all December Kick Around. All new MUSL Players must sign a liability waiver at the field prior to stepping on the pitch. Richard Schellmen richardschellmen@yahoo.com Karon Beyer mariettaunited2016@gmail.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Marietta United Soccer League announces 2016 Winter Outdoor Season Start date - Sunday January 8th, 2017 7 games with Unlimited Player Rosters 7v7 format - Two 35 Minutes halves Unlimited Player Substitutions Men's Open Rec, Open Comp, Over 30/40  Turfed fields in East Cobb Games at 1/2:30/4/5:30pm Team Registration is open now - send us an email asap to reserve your slot!!

Event Alert: Atlanta United FC signed on as lead sponsors for the Father Christmas Cup

Announcement: Atlanta United FC have once again signed on as lead sponsors for the Father Christmas Cup on Dec 17 ...and its a BIG deal! We are grateful to the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation for its continued support in the Atlanta community!

**Be sure to check out our latest post in our facebook feed for all the details on team jerseys, raffle prizes and the competition on the day! It's time to register & purchase those raffle tickets! http://fxcup.org/

Father Christmas Cup is pleased to announce that the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation in association with Atlanta United FC has ONCE AGAIN agreed to become the lead shirt sponsor for this year's Cup to be held at Atlanta Silverbacks Park on Saturday, Dec 17!
THIS MEANS ---->
1) ATL UTD Logo will be once again featured prominently on the team jerseys & commemorative tees (available for purchase)
2) ATL UTD will have a team competing in the Cup (fun for the spectators AND the participants in the Cup).
3) ATL UTD Raffle Prizes include:
**Kids: Swag pack w/ official ATL UTD kit
**Adult: Family Pack for four (4) to a 2017 ATL UTD match in the inaugural 2017 season, along with some cool team swag!

I mean, come on!
Go to our registration link Freshtix NOW and sign up your team, purchase your raffle tickets or just donate. Proceeds help Atlanta families in need this Christmas.
http://fxcup.org/

Event Alert: 2016 St. Nicholas Charity Soccer Event

We invite you to participate in the 6th Annual  
2016 St. Nicholas Charity Soccer Event

 

Every year on the 1st Sunday in December, CASL & the YMCA, hosts a one day Charity Soccer Event.

The St. Nicolaus Charity Event was created to collect toys and clothing that will help a Must Ministries fill their *Toy Box for the holidays.

CASL is proud to be able to say that we are the single largest (non corporate) donator that Must Ministries has. Last year we collected over 350 toys with a value of almost $9,000. 

Must Ministries is a Cobb County based charity and all (100 percent) of our donations go directly on their shelves here in Cobb (and Cherokee) county to benefit homeless and In Need families.

In exchange for a single Toy (new, unwrapped and valued at $25 or greater),

participants will get a free day of tournament soccer.

Every participant gets three (3) Tournament games which are 25 minute halves.

We start at 9am and run the last games will begin at 4pm. 

For more information or an entry package - cobbsoccer.org

There are no awards, trophies or medals. Just friendly competition for a great cause!  fyi.. you don't have to play to donate!

The event is strictly volunteer, from the volunteer staff, who line fields, set out goals & flags, marshal the fields and check in the participants, serve hot cocoa and clean bathrooms to the referees (most of whom also donate toys) and all the sponsors.

If you do not know what the Must Ministries Toy Box is, please check them out at http://www.mustministries.org/.

Parents are able to "shop" for their children in department store like warehouse. The warehouse is filled with donations from people like us.

Opportunity Alert: Atlanta United is looking for some people with soccer skills for an upcoming feature film

Atlanta United is looking for some people with soccer skills for a video:https://www.facebook.com/NewLifeCasting/posts/1203054623073670

New Life Casting

October 13 at 7:12pm · 

For an upcoming feature film,, searching for

ADULT MALE SOCCER PLAYERS AGES 17 to 25 ( to play younger)

These are VERY FEATURED ROLES

This will work MULTIPLE days throughout November and December.
MUST HAVE SOCCER EXPERIENCE

Please send 3 photos, one headshot, one full body and one in soccer uniform ( if you have one)
include age, height, weight and all clothing sizes
- include a brief summary of soccer experience
- Must include phone number

submit to: UnitedExtras@gmail.com

subject: MALE SOCCER plus age

example: MALE SOCCER 21

United Alert: Atlanta United Soccer Announced Community Project

Atlanta United, Soccer in the Streets and MARTA today announced a community project to help develop grassroots soccer and provide life skills programs to Atlanta's underserved urban communities. The project, officially named ‘Station Soccer - Five Points MARTA Station,’ represents the first soccer field to be built inside the perimeter of a major urban transit station in the world.

Renderings of Station Soccer - Five Points MARTA Station found here.

The strategic location of the field in the heart of downtown Atlanta will remove the primary barrier preventing many of the city’s youth from playing soccer: lack of access and poor transportation options. The Five Points station is the hub of the MARTA metro system, making the field an ideal location for kids from across the city to come together in one place to play soccer.

“Our partnership effort will help foster a sense of community around our most active MARTA station,” said GM/CEO Keith T. Parker, AICP. “These collaborations are important because they turn a rail stop into a point of destination where customers can plan an entire outing—from grabbing a meal to shopping then a match—all while using the system.” 

Funded through a grant by Atlanta United, Soccer in the Streets will lead programming of Station Soccer initiating in late fall of this year.  Programming will include establishing mentoring programs, promoting employability among young people and creating a sustainable, competitive format through adult leagues. 

“Station Soccer represents a unique opportunity to provide a practical pathway to the game of soccer for youth across metro Atlanta,” said Atlanta United president Darren Eales.  “Kids will now be able to take MARTA to the Five Points field to compete and play with peers from diverse communities across the city.  We’re proud to partner with Soccer in the Streets and MARTA on this groundbreaking community project.”

The project seeks to include community members across metro Atlanta by using downtown as a converging point for a new urban soccer culture. Using innovative ideas focused on inclusiveness and collaboration, the Station Soccerproject aims to embrace and encourage the global nature of the game.  

"The partnership between Soccer in the Streets and Atlanta United demonstrates the club’s commitment to providing access to the game of soccer to our city’s youth, especially in areas that have historically been marginalized," said Phil Hill, Executive Director for Soccer in the Streets. "The field will allow our organization to expand through a totally new concept in urban soccer, designed specifically for kids who live in underserved neighborhoods.”

The inspiration for the project came from Soccer in the Streets’ board member Sanjay Patel, who has envisioned combining soccer and transit in Atlanta since 2014.  “Projects like Station Soccer will allow us to help build healthy transit environments and will also provide access and connectivity for all through soccer,” said Patel.

Station Soccer - Five Points MARTA Station will feature turf and lighting infrastructure provided by GreenFields USA, Musco/Cree Lighting and the U.S. Soccer Foundation.

Pro Alert: Atlanta United will play at Bobby Dodd Stadium

Atlanta United has announced that it will begin its inaugural MLS campaign in 2017 by playing games at Bobby Dodd Stadium on the campus of Georgia Tech.

The MLS expansion side was originally going to wait until its permanent home at Mercedes-Benz Stadium opened sometime in June, but that would have required spending the first three months of the season on the road.

Given the competitive disadvantage that would have created for the team, the decision was made by the Atlanta United front office to start play in a temporary venue. This will allow the team to play a balanced slate of home games across the MLS season.

Gerardo Martino, named last week as the team's first manager, was advised of the move during contract negotiations, and gave the decision his approval.

"Our aim is to build a championship caliber soccer club and to be as competitive as we can from the start," said Darren Eales, president of Atlanta United.

"With the amount of excitement we've seen for the club, especially over the past few months as our season ticket sales have continued to rise, it was evident that playing at home for the first part of the season was in the best interest of our fans and our players.

"We're very pleased that we are able to open the 2017 MLS season at Bobby Dodd Stadium."

The decision will not change much for fans, as Bobby Dodd Stadium is located in downtown Atlanta, less than two miles from the team's eventual home.

The contract with Georgia Tech runs through the end of July as a contingency, Eales said.

The venue has a maximum capacity of 55,000, though it is unclear the extent to which the venue will be downsized for Atlanta United matches. So far the team has sold more than 22,000 season tickets, 3,000 of which are in a section reserved for die-hard supporters.

Steve Cannon, chief executive officer of AMB Group which is the parent company of Atlanta United, said the company expects to begin moving into offices and warehousing areas at Mercedes-Benz Stadium as early as April of 2017 and take control of the rest of the building in phases throughout the spring and summer.

Atlanta United will debut in Mercedes-Benz Stadium later in the summer when the building is ready for play and according to the MLS schedule, which is expected to be unveiled in January of 2017.

"The excitement and anticipation for Atlanta United to begin play in Atlanta is evident every time we interact with the supporters so we are very pleased to partner with Georgia Tech to get our home schedule started," said Cannon.

"We're equally pleased with the ongoing progress at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. It is going to be an outstanding venue for our team and an incredible customer experience for the supporters. We look forward to announcing more in regards to the grand opening events schedule early next year."

Source:http://www.espnfc.com/major-league-soccer/story/2966324/atlanta-united-to-play-first-part-of-2017-season-at-georgia-tech

Winter League Alert: Winter League in the heart of East Cobb

We are excited to offer a 7 v 7 Winter League in the heart of East Cobb on the brand new turf field at Metro North for both adult and youth players!  No rain outs on the turf!  REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!  Space is limited, register today.  Register at http://clubs.bluesombrero.com/Default.aspx?tabid=321229 Price: $595 per season (Full amount due by start of first game). Team Deposit: $200.  Due November 19th – deposit is included within the $595 league fee – the deposit is required to secure your team’s spot! Full payment must be received by the first game of the season.  Available spots are first come first serve! Want to play but don't have a team?  Register as a Free Agent ($60.00 per player) and we will place you on a team! Divisions: We will offer male, female, and CO-ED divisions of the below classifications. Youth U12: Born on or after Jan 1, 2005 U14: Born on or after Jan 1, 2003 U19: Born on or after Jan 1, 1998 Adults OPEN Over 30: Born on or before Dec 1, 1986 Over 40: Born on or before Dec 1, 1976 Roster: Minimum of 8, Maximum 14. Captains are responsible to make sure rosters are complete. Season Length: 8 games plus single elimination playoff weekend Season dates: Dec 3 & 4, Dec 10 & 11, Dec 17 & 18, Jan 7 & 8, Jan 14 & 15, Jan 21 & 22, Jan 28 & 29, Feb 4 & 5 and Feb 11 & 12 (Playoff week end).   Schedule will be published one week before season starts Game Start Times on the hour beginning at 8:00 AM and ending at 4:00 PM for last kick off.

Silverbacks Alert: The home of the Atlanta Silverbacks is cooking up a new project

Atlanta Silverbacks Park is planning an indoor facility at its multi-million dollar complex near Spaghetti Junction in northeast Atlanta, according to a county filing.

The new facility could be similar to Atlanta Silverbacks Suwanee Indoor, a 48,000-square-foot facility with two indoor multi-purpose turf fields, a concession area and a room that can seat up to 50 people.

Silverbacks Park has four full-size soccer fields, including one inside the 5,000-seat stadium, which is home to the Atlanta Silverbacks men’s professional soccer team and the Atlanta Silverbacks Women semi-professional team. The complex also hosts numerous soccer leagues, is home to the Atlanta Renegades Rugby Club, and is regularly used as a practice site by local youth soccer clubs and high school teams, according to its website.

The Silverbacks joined the North American Soccer League for its inaugural season in 2011 but were operated by the league last season while it searched for a long-term local ownership group.

The NASL ended its operation of the Atlanta Silverbacks in January.

However, the club was bought by Atlanta Silverbacks Park and Atlanta Silverbacks Suwanee Indoor ownerBorris Jerkunica (chairman), John Hardin, John Latham, United Futbol Academy and A+ Sports Management Group, and now plays in the National Premier Soccer League.

Source: http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2016/09/23/atlanta-silverbacks-park-planning-indoor-facility.html

Adult Tournament: Tennessee State Soccer Association will host its annual adult soccer tournament

The Tennessee State Soccer Association will host its annual adult soccer tournament the weekend of November 5-6 in Murfreesboro, at Richard Siegel Soccer Park. To apply for the event please copy and paste the following link in your browser bar:
http://tssa-adultcup16.sportsaffinity.com/tour/index.asp?sessionguid=The application deadline is October 21st by 5pm. The event will consist of competition in men's open, women's open, men's over 30, men's over 40, and co-ed. The application process will open next week and we will send an email with the official link once the application is posted. There will be prize money available based on the number of teams in each group. For more information, contact Derek Greene at dgreene@tnsoccer.org
Teams may be created specifically for the event, but non-registered Georgia Soccer or USASA players will need to register with Georgia Soccer and pay a $10 for a temporary weekend pass for the event. Contact your state association office for assistance in registering current non-registered players. Georgia Soccer – 770-452-0505 Team entry fees are $300 for ALL teams.

Notes of interest: 1. You will need to pay at the time you fill out the application in order to hold your spot in the event ($100 non-refundable fee) 2. The event will be open to teams outside of TN and brackets will be filled on a first-come/first serve basis, as field space is limited. 3. Space is limited so please sign up quickly. 4. All divisions are 11v11 with the exception of co-ed, which will be 8v8(7v7 + GK) 5. Roster size will be limited to 20 players in all divisions with the exception of co-ed, which will be limited to 15 players. Derek Greene Director of Sponsorships and Marketing Tennessee State Soccer Association

Pro Alert: Guardado to Atlanta?

Seattle

Mr. Jordan Morris has now scored the winning goal in five Sounders matches this season, an MLS rookie record (impressive considering the team has ten wins.) Now you can watch them all here.

Here's hoping Morris makes this video outdated before the 2016 season is over.

The game-winner is just one of several plays from the Sounders-Whitecaps match featured in MLS' Plays of the Night.

The 1-0 win was much-needed for MLS Playoffs seeding, but didn't help much in the defense of the Cascadia Cup. With one match left, the most likely retention scenario is a Sounders 3+ goal win over Vancouver and a 3+ goal Vancouver victory when they play Portland on October 23.

Young Alex Roldan scored again for Seattle U, earning a victory over the College of Charleston Cougars. The team won again on Sunday, and next will play the Washington Huskies (who also downed Charleston). The women blanked Gonzaga in a 1-0 victory.

MLS

Atlanta United expects to receive Andres Guardado in the coming months.

After missing the postseason for their first eight straight years, Toronto FChave ridden the back of Sebastian Giovinco to two straight playoff appearances.

Jack Jewsbury has been a solid player for the Portland Timbers since their expansion season in 2011, and now has a retirement planned for the end of the season.

USNT

More people know about Megan Rapinoe today than at any point previously in her career. Despite boos and criticism around her kneeling protest before the United States' wins vs Thailand and the Netherlands, Rapinoe says she's happy that the conversation is "picking up steam." After admonishing her last week, the United States has decided not to punish Rapinoe for the stance.

Source: http://www.sounderatheart.com/2016/9/19/12968284/atlanta-vancouver-seattle-morris-pulisic-donovan-rapinoe-guardado-toronto