On February 23rd, the Silverbacks tweeted confirmation that explosive winger Joao Johanning Mora would be returning for this coming season. Joao, who started in all 8 games and scored 7 goals last season and was voted 2016 Player of the Year by Silverbacks fans.
Joao made a fantastic first impression to the fans that would later vote him as Player of the Year in the first game of the 2016 season against Georgia Revolution when he scored the second of three goals by the Silverbacks on the day. The good impressions continued throughout the season as he not only scored goals but consistently provided a creative spark and ran around opposing defenders like they were traffic cones. Joao was arguably at his best in two games against Carolina Discoveries and Carolina Railhawks NPSL when he scored a brace against the Discoveries, as well as a goal against the Railhawks. In the same game against the Railhawks, Joao also provided the assist on Avery Shepherd’s game-winning goal.
Image by Dave Williamson |
After wrapping up the regular season with a Penalty that he both won and converted against Tobacco Road, another goal against the Revolution at home, and a goal against Myrtle Beach at Ashley Booth Stadium, Joao had scored a goal against every team in the South Atlantic Conference. If that wasn’t enough, he also scored a goal in that 4-0 thrashing of the Railhawks Reserves in Lawrenceville.
Simply put, Joao Johanning Mora is one of those players that has that “wow” factor to him because he’s always doing something that makes fans get out of their seats. It was only fitting that he be the first player to be officially announced for 2017. Player announcements starting to happen is another sign that the season is right around the corner. Keep an eye on Silverbacks social media for more announcements, as well as Planet Of The Backs for analysis of said announcements.
Image by Dave Williamson |