It started with the announcement that Joao Johanning Mora had re-signed, and now “Player Announcement Season” is in full swing. Since the first announcement, the Silverbacks have confirmed at least three more members of their 2017 squad.
The Second player to be announced was Liberian Midfielder Abraham Lansana, who had a great 2016 with the Silverbacks after spending three years with Harnosand FF in the Swedish Second Division. Lansana served the Silverbacks well in the midfield last year, and will most definitely do the same this year. Unfortunately, the Silverbacks decided to repay Lansana for his services by using a picture of him holding a Silverbacks scarf with his eyes seemingly closed with the caption “Dreaming about Opening Day yet? Looks like he is!” I see what you did there Social Media guy (or girl, I’m not 100% sure), let’s just hope he keeps his eyes open on the pitch during the season.
Goalkeeper Ameth Kante signed, and it seems he will be the Silverbacks number 1 this year after backing up Bryce Billington in 2016. There hasn’t been any indication as to where Bryce Billington will be playing yet, but after a stellar 2016 season, as well as an excellent performance at the NPSL Showcase it seems that it will be somewhere in the USL, NASL, or possibly Europe. The Silverbacks, however, are in good hands with Kante. The Senegalese keeper started for Silverbacks in one game last year against Myrtle Beach Mutiny. In An interview with Senegalese website Wiwsport.com, Kante said that several European have contacted his agent to sign him, but he decided it was in his best interest to stay in Atlanta for another season.
The most recent announcement is also a former Silverbacks player, but he did not play for the Silverbacks in 2016, or 2015 for that matter. Belizean forward Deon McCaulay, whose claim to fame is being the joint top goalscorer in 2014 World Cup Qualifying with 11 goals, played for the Silverbacks in 2014 and scored 3 goals for them, including the lone goal in the 3-1 loss to Chicago Fire in the Quarterfinals of the US Open Cup. Since leaving the Silverbacks, he returned to Belize and played for Verdes in the Premier League of Belize. McCaulay was the league’s top scorer for the 2015-16 Opening season with 10 goals and two hat-tricks. This announcement totally came out of the blue, and my initial reaction was jokingly asking “what year is it?”, but all jokes aside it’s an excellent signing that will boost the attack.
Four players don't make a full team, so there are bound to be more announcements made soon. Keep an eye on Planet Of The Backs for more analysis of player announcements, as well as an upcoming article regarding the Silverbacks Home and Away series against Savannah Clovers, as well as a breakdown of the Silverbacks possible US Open Cup opponents.
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