Hungarian Goalkeeper Signs with Silverbacks

Published on January 25, 2012 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


ATLANTA (January 25, 2012) - The Atlanta Silverbacks have signed veteran goalkeeper DANIEL ILLYES, pending USSF and ITC approval, the club announced Wednesday.

Illyes, 29, joins the Silverbacks after playing 10 professional seasons in his native country of Hungary, including eight in the Hungarian first division. Earlier in his career, Illyes played for Hungary's U17 and U18 national teams.

"Daniel is a talented and experienced goalkeeper who will be a tremendous leader for us from the back," said Silverbacks Goalkeepers Coach Jose "Gaucho" Pinho. "Through his years in Europe, he understands what it takes to succeed at the professional level, and we're excited to have him.

Illyes began his professional career in 2001 with =DAjpest FC of the Hungarian first division. The 6-foot-2 goalkeeper stayed with the club until 2006, appearing in almost 100 league and cup games and helping his team earn a spot in the UEFA Cup in three different seasons.

From 2007-2009, Illyes spent time with Hungarian first division clubs Rákospalotai EAC and NyÃ-regyháza Spartacus FC, and in 2010, he signed with third-division side Egri FC, his hometown team. He led Egri FC to a league championship in 2011, which gave the team a promotion to Hungary's second division.

The Budapest-born goalkeeper speaks Hungarian, German, and English, holds a Master's degree in physical education, and in 2010, founded his own soccer school, the Eger Goalkeeping Academy, in Hungary. Illyes is expected to join the Silverbacks when training begins in late February; he will be available to play in the Silverbacks' season opener on April 7 at Atlanta Silverbacks Park.

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