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Horth rejoins Atlanta, Ceus brings presence in goal

January 14, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


ATLANTA - The Atlanta Silverbacks revealed their first player moves under the direction of new head coach Gary Smith on Tuesday, announcing the signings of Haitian international goalkeeper Steward Ceus and forward Matt Horth, who was the club's leading scorer in 2011 and 2012.

"As the process of rebuilding starts, Matt and Steward represent the character and caliber of player that will be needed to compete against the best in the NASL," said Silverbacks head coach Gary Smith. "I fully expect these two players to have a big impact on our team, and I'm excited with our first two signings."

Horth, who has previously been recognized as NASL Player of the Month for his scoring efforts, returns to the Silverbacks after runs with the New England Revolution, Rochester Rhinos, and Icelandic club Leiknir ReykjavÃ-k. The 25-year-old forward led the Silverbacks in scoring in both 2011 and 2012 with 18 goals in 49 appearances.

""It was hard to leave Atlanta previously," Horth said. "But the situation was right and it was the correct decision to go abroad. I had an excellent time in Europe, where we won the league and my wife and I got to experience a different culture and a new way of life.

"Now, I am looking forward to being a part of the Atlanta Silverbacks organization once again. The club has made a lot of changes recently and taken some big strides forward. I think Gary Smith was a great selection by the Silverbacks and I'm really exciting about working with him and his staff this year. Strikers are always judged on the number of goals next to their name so I hope to do myself and Atlanta proud."

The Akron, Ohio, native has a knack for history, scoring the Silverbacks' first ever goal in NASL play - a 64th minute strike against Minnesota in 2011. Horth earned his first league honors in July 2011, winning the NASL Offensive Player of the Week award. In a game against the Carolina Railhawks in 2012, Horth again made history by becoming the first player to score a goal under the guidance of U.S. soccer legend and interim head coach Eric Wynalda.

"Matt, who all the fans will remember (for his big moments), has all the qualities that a genuine center forward requires," Smith said. "He is physically capable, has a good eye for goal, and is a great team player."

Ceus, a 27-year-old goalkeeper with seven appearances for the Haitian national team, reunites with Smith, who drafted him as the 37th overall selection in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft. Smith and Ceus were together with the Colorado Rapids from 2009-11.

"Steward is a terrific (goalkeeper) with a wonderful work ethic and ability," Smith said. "His presence and personality in goal and in the team were also strong attributes of his when I worked with him at the Rapids. I look forward to what he will offer the club."

Ceus made four league appearances with the Rapids, making his first-team debut in a U.S. Open Cup match at Kansas City in 2010. He then started five of the club's six 2011 CONCACAF Champions League games. Ceus' MLS debut came late in 2012 when he started the final three matches of the season. He made one regular season appearance for the Rapids in 2013 before moving to Finland to play with Närpes Kraft Fotbollsförening in 2014.

"I am really excited to join the Silverbacks," Ceus said. "Coming off of a solid season abroad, I am looking forward to carrying that momentum back in the U.S. and making an immediate impact on the field."

The Silverbacks open the NASL Spring Season on April 4 against the Indy Eleven at Atlanta Silverbacks Park. 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.

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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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