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Post by Soccerhouse on Jan 11, 2016 22:14:28 GMT -5
The Atlanta Silverbacks pro soccer team has ceased operations. The NASL, which was running the franchise while it looked for new owners, announced the fate of the team on Monday. “The goal all along has been to secure committed local ownership in Atlanta, but despite significant conversations with a number of interested parties, we were unable to identify a group that could lead the Silverbacks in a direction consistent with the rest of our clubs,” NASL Commissioner Bill Peterson said in a statement emailed to the media. “It’s unfortunate, and particularly sad for the Silverbacks’ passionate fan base, which has supported the club tremendously throughout the years.” www.ajc.com/news/sports/pro-sports/silverbacks-cease-operations/np3TW/sbisoccer.com/2016/01/nasl-suspends-operation-of-silverbacks
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Post by jash on Jan 11, 2016 23:05:57 GMT -5
My theory is this is all tied to the confused situation with the stadium ownership. Like the Thrashers before them, any potential new team owners cannot make enough money without concession and parking revenue.
I may be completely off base, but I do know the concessions and team operations were separate ownership as of a couple years ago, and there was some finger pointing between the two when there were issues with concessions that made me think that the relationship was not all rosy.
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Post by rifle on Jan 12, 2016 6:50:25 GMT -5
Bummer. I was not a huge supporter but I attended a handful of games and played in their adult league.
I was really hoping to read that the Silverbacks would be somehow integrated into AUFC. A rescue basically. I would wager that AUFC spent far more in the last year than the Silverbacks - irony.
Not unexpected news but still disappointing.
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Post by zizou on Jan 12, 2016 7:52:12 GMT -5
Gary Smith is a good dude and a good coach. Hope he and family find a way to stay in ATL soccer community. Maybe with MLS club.
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Post by jack4343 on Jan 12, 2016 8:00:31 GMT -5
It stinks. I loved going to the games. It was right by my job so I could even shoot over there quickly after work to catch the weekday games. Wonder what will happen to the facility? I know the Chiefs use the fields as well as adult leagues. I'm really bummed.
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Post by Soccerhouse on Jan 12, 2016 8:13:03 GMT -5
Facility will stay and from what I've always heard the adults leagues bring in good $$$. Its a shame because its a great location, and was so easy and affordable.
and to be honest, the soccer wasn't that bad. All the NASL lacks in the DPs that the MSL has, the big name player.
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Post by reinalocura on Jan 12, 2016 8:37:27 GMT -5
Sad. Was great to get to watch games up close and meet the players afterwards. Was easy for the kids to connect to them.
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Post by Soccerhouse on Jan 13, 2016 9:47:50 GMT -5
One big big negative from my perspective, former/current silverback players have been a huge part of the soccer community here in the ATL. Will be a shame. I know over 5 coaches personally currently coaching that were former silverback players that stuck around the area to coach.
Do MLS players do the same or are they really too "big" to get involved at the youth level or typically stick around their own youth system?
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