Major trade brings proven goal scorers to Silverbacks

Published on January 11, 2007 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


The Atlanta Silverbacks today announced the acquisition of Mauricio Salles and Daniel Antoniuk through a trade with the Montreal Impact. Salles and Antoniuk will join the Silverbacks' squad in exchange for Jason McLaughlin and Fabian Dawkins. Salles has scored 34 goals in his three USL seasons, while Antoniuk has scored 20 goals in his four USL seasons. Both franchises have assumed the player's existing contracts; Salles has two years remaining on his contract, while Antoniuk has one year remaining.

"Although I was pleased with both McLaughlin and Dawkins, I'm very excited to work with Antoniuk and Salles. They are both extremely experienced players in the league and proven goal scorers," commented Head Coach Jason Smith.

Since his 2004 USL debut, Mauricio Salles has led his team in scoring every season and has finished in the league's top ten rankings for goals and points each season. The Brazilian forward began his USL career when the league expanded to Puerto Rico; he scored 11 goals and recorded 24 points in his rookie season - good enough for 6th place in the league's goal-scoring rankings. The 2005 season saw Salles increase his goals-scored to 14 and his points to 29 - good enough for 3rd place in the league's goal-scoring rankings and a spot on the USL All-League First Team. Salles joined the Montreal Impact for the 2006 season where he helped Montreal win the regular-season title by scoring nine goals, including five impressive game-winning goals. His nine goals were good enough for 6th place in the league's goal-scoring rankings. Salles played in 26 games for the Impact in 2006.

Daniel Antoniuk began his USL career in 2003 with the Portland Timbers, his biggest season came in 2005 when he scored 13 goals and recorded 28 points - good enough for 4th place in the league's goal-scoring and point rankings. He was also named to the USL All-League Second Team for his performance during the 2005 season. Antoniuk played three seasons with the Portland Timbers before joining Montreal for the 2006 season. He played in 20 games for the Impact, missing four due to a concussion; he scored three goals during the 2006 season. A product of Wheaton College, Antoniuk was named the NEWMAC Player of the Year in 2000. During his time at Wheaton, he held the record for career goals (54) and points (144). Antoniuk also held the record for goals in one season with 18 - an accomplishment he recorded twice during his four-year collegiate career. McLaughlin played in 28 games for the Silverbacks in 2006; he recorded five goals and two assists (second on the team in scoring). Dawkins played in 18 games for the Silverbacks; he recorded one goal and three assists. Both players began their USL careers in Atlanta - McLaughlin in 2006 and Dawkins in 2005.

The Atlanta Silverbacks will be holding two more open tryouts January 19-21 and February 16-18. For more information visit www.atlantasilverbacks.com or call 404-969-4900.

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USL First Division Stories from January 11, 2007


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