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Jason Smith Relieved of Head Coaching Duties

October 5, 2014 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


Atlanta, Georgia (October 5, 2014) - The Atlanta Silverbacks announced today that Head Coach Jason Smith has been relieved of his coaching duties, effective immediately. The club also announced that Assistant Coach Alejandro Pombo has been named Interim Head Coach for the team's final four matches in the 2014 NASL Fall Season.

"Making a coaching change is never an easy decision, but based on the results we felt a change in direction was necessary," said Atlanta Silverbacks President Andy Smith. "We want to thank Jason for his contributions and wish him the best."

Smith, who previously coached the Silverbacks from 2005-2008 in the USL, began his second stint - and first as NASL head coach - on July 26, taking over after the club announced that Eric Wynalda would continue as Technical Director but not as head coach. The Silverbacks posted a record of 2-2-8 (W-T-L) under Smith, having lost the past six matches and being held scoreless in four straight. Previously, the Silverbacks posted a 7-1-7 (W-T-L) record in all 2014 competitions with Wynalda at the helm, including a run to the Quarterfinals of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

Pombo, a native of Montevideo, Uruguay, played professionally in his home country as well as Brazil from 1985-1993. The 44-year-old spent several seasons as an assistant coach for the Atlanta Silverbacks Reserves. He took over as head coach of the Reserves in 2014 and led the side to a 7-2-1 (W-T-L) record in the National Premier Soccer League. Pombo has also served as assistant coach with the NASL side since 2012.

The Silverbacks have four matches remaining in the 2014 NASL Fall Season, with the next three at Silverbacks Park. They host the Fort Lauderdale Strikers on October 11, the Tampa Bay Rowdies on October 18, and Carolina RailHawks on October 25 before closing the season against FC Edmonton on November 2 in Canada.

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