Former Colorado Rapids Midfielder Signs with Silverbacks

Published on March 21, 2011 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


The Atlanta Silverbacks added substantial experience to their midfield on Monday, signing former Colorado Rapids midfielder CIARAN O'BRIEN, pending USSF approval.

The Federal Way, Wash., native comes to the Silverbacks after spending the previous three seasons under contract with the 2010 MLS champion Rapids. O'Brien, 23, played for the Rapids in MLS, but he spent the bulk of his three seasons out on loan.

In 2008, the 5-foot-9 midfielder was loaned to the Seattle Sounders, previously of the USL. He made five appearances for the Sounders before being returned to the Rapids. O'Brien spent 2009 on loan to two different USL clubs, the Austin Aztex and the Montreal Impact. After making three appearances for the Aztex, he played in 13 games for the Impact, during which he scored his first professional goal.

A graduate of the Generation Adidas program, O'Brien left college after two seasons to sign a professional contract with Major League Soccer. He played his first collegiate season at the University of San Diego, earning 2006 Freshman of the Year and Second Team All-Conference honors in the West Coast Conference. In 2007, he played his second and final collegiate season with University of California-Santa Barbara. He was named the Big West's Midfielder of the Year and also earned First Team All-Conference honors.

O'Brien comes from an impressive soccer family. His father, Fran O'Brien, played professionally for 16 years in Ireland, Canada, and the United States and made four appearances for Ireland's national team. His brother, Leighton O'Brien, played professionally for 10 years in Sweden, Canada, and the United States.

"I'm very excited about the opportunity to come to Atlanta and play for the Silverbacks," O'Brien said. "It's a great city, and I can't wait to get out on the field with my new teammates."

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