Atlanta Native Poised to Kickoff Season in Front of Goal

March 24, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


ATLANTA - Atlanta Silverbacks goalkeeper and Haitian international Steward Ceus has suffered a slight roadblock to his debut season in Atlanta after a knee injury during the Club's preseason will force a minor operation this week.

Ceus, who was set to join the Haitian national team for a March friendly in Asia, has already begun rehabilitation for the injury. With the current timetable, the goalkeeper could be in line for a May 16 return to action - and NASL debut - against Jacksonville Armada at Silverbacks Park. The Silverbacks open their NASL season April 4 against Indy Eleven, presented by Allstate.

"Physically, I'm looking forward to getting my knee back to fully fit," Ceus said. "I've just got to stay in the right mindset as I approach rehabbing and strength work."

Silverbacks first-year head coach Gary Smith made the 27-year-old keeper one of his first player transactions after accepting the Atlanta job in December. During his MLS Cup-winning tenure with the Colorado Rapids, Smith selected Ceus 37th overall in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft and has extensive experience with the goalkeeper's playing style and mentality.

"(The injury) isn't anything drastic," Smith said. "He will be back fit again soon. He's done some rehab and started recovering quickly."

Goalkeeper C.J. Cochran entered the Silverbacks' preseason camp as a trialist, but the 6-foot-4 Georgia State alum earned his first professional contract and will now move into the No. 1 role on an interim basis. After beginning preseason as Ceus' backup, he will be pushed into full action sooner than expected to replace Ceus.

Ready to provide preseason cover for Ceus' late-March trip with the Haitian team, Cochran had already prepared to take over during portions of preseason. Ceus' rehab, however, will give Cochran a considerable chance to prove himself while spelling Atlanta's No. 1.

Cochran has allowed one goal in the three exhibitions he's started during the Silverbacks' unbeaten preseason.

"Injuries are always a possibility," Cochran said. "You've got to be able to step in, so I was prepared. We've had a nice couple weeks of training and I was ready."

Familiar with Cochran's game after spending training sessions with the young goalkeeper, Ceus expressed faith in his backup's ability to contribute to the team.

"C.J. is very good vocally and communicates well with the back line," Ceus said. "He's a very good shot-stopper and I think he'll be very confident."

Cochran wrapped up his Georgia State career in 2014, holding the career record for goals-against average by a Panther goalkeeper and earning the third-most shutouts in school history. A metro Atlanta product who gives the Silverbacks another homegrown presence, Atlanta also became his professional home when he signed a contract in with the Silverbacks earlier in March, rewarding his preseason trial performance.

"C.J. has stepped up to the plate very early in his professional career," Smith said. "The one thing about him is that he has really strong character. He's mentally equipped to do the job.

"He's going to get his chance maybe before he expected, but life is all about opportunities. Some people take them, some people don't."

The Silverbacks open the NASL Spring Season on April 4 against the Indy Eleven at Atlanta Silverbacks Park, presented by Allstate. The club is offering a special Home Opener Gift Pack, which includes four general admission tickets for only $48 (savings of $32 from box office price) or four reserved tickets for only $68 (savings of $52 from the box office price). To purchase tickets, call the Silverbacks Ticket Office at 404-969-4900.



North American Soccer League Stories from March 24, 2015


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