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Silverbacks Round out Roster with Four Signings

March 31, 2011 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


With the season opener less than 10 days away, the Silverbacks filled out their roster, announcing the signings of four more players, pending USSF approval. The new additions just finalized their contracts after spending the past few weeks training with the team as trial players.

Joining the Silverbacks front line are strikers JUNIOR SANDOVAL and JON COX. Sandoval, 20, comes to the Silverbacks on loan from the NASL's Puerto Rico Islanders. Sandoval, a 5-foot-11 striker from Honduras, is a familiar face in the Atlanta soccer scene after previously playing for Atlanta F.C. (now the Atlanta Silverbacks Reserves) and Georgia Perimeter College.

Cox joins the Silverbacks after a successful collegiate career at Georgia Southern University. The 6-foot-1 Atlanta native previously played for the Atlanta Silverbacks U23 team of the Premier Development League (PDL) for two seasons. Cox, 24, is expected to bring a physical presence to the Silverbacks attack in 2011.

The club also welcomed goalkeeper JIMMY MAURER, 22. Maurer was the fourth overall selection in the 2011 MLS Supplemental Draft and has spent time the last several months with the New York Red Bulls. The 6-foot-2 goalkeeper previously played at University of South Carolina with Silverbacks defender Tyler Ruthven, and he also played alongside fellow signee Jon Cox for the Silverbacks U-23 team in the PDL in 2009. Maurer has also spent time in U.S. National Team camp at the U-17 level, training with the squad from 2004-2006.

Defender WILLIE HUNT, 23, comes to the Silverbacks after captaining NCAA Division II's Francis Marion University (S.C.). As a member of the Patriots, the 5-foot-10 defender garnered many conference and regional honors during his four-year career. Hunt also played for the PDL's Mississippi Brilla with current Silverbacks midfielder Lucas Paulini.

"We're so happy to announce that we've officially added these players to our team," said Silverbacks Director of Soccer Rodrigo Rios. "They bring a combination of youth and experience that we'll use as a foundation for our franchise."

All four players join the team in its preparation for the April 9 season opener against the NSC Minnesota Stars at Atlanta Silverbacks Park. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m., and tickets can be purchased online at atlantasilverbacks.com or over the phone at (404) 969-4900.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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