Brazilian Defender Joins Silverbacks

Published on December 16, 2011 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


ATLANTA (December 16, 2011) - The Atlanta Silverbacks have signed central defender RILLA, pending receipt of ITC and USSF approval, the club announced Thursday.

Rilla, 29, brings nine years of professional experience to the Silverbacks. In addition to playing one season in Spain for CD Ronda in 2007, he spent time with eight different Brazilian clubs since he signed his first professional contract in 2003.

The 6-foot-3 defender comes to Atlanta from EC Rio Verde, a first division regional team from the Brazilian state of Goiás. Rilla has also played for Brazilian clubs SEV Votuporanga, Gremio Catanvudense, SEV Hortolandia, Trindade AC, Batatais FC, Novo Horizonte FC, and Rolim de Moura EC.

"We all know how much soccer talent there is in Brazil, and Rilla is a great example," said Silverbacks Head Coach Alex Pineda Chac�n. "He is a big, strong defender, who will be a great addition to our team. We're very happy that we've been able to bring him to Atlanta."

A native of Mineiros do Tietê, Rilla, along with recent signing Martyn Lancaster, has been enlisted to help improve a Silverbacks back line that conceded a league-high 63 goals in 2011. He also brings a veteran presence to the Silverbacks, who had the lowest average age of any NASL team last season.

Rilla, whose given name is Lindomar Ferreira da Silva, is scheduled to join the team when training camp begins in February.

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