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MLS trio signs on with Silverbacks

April 6, 2006 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


The Atlanta Silverbacks Men have added three former MLS players to the 2006 roster: Marlon Rojas (Real Salt Lake), Scott Buete (Chicago Fire) and Shaun Kalnasy (Chivas USA). All three players reported to preseason and have begun training with the full squad.

Marlon Rojas, 5-8, 172, joins the Silverbacks after spending part of the 2005 season with Real Salt Lake where he started in six games for the team. Rojas, a former Trinidad and Tobago national team player, came to the United States to attend St. John's University for his freshman season. Rojas finished his collegiate career at the University of Tampa where he helped his team win the 2001 NCAA Division II Championship. He was also named to the 2001 NCAA Division II All-Tournament Team. After he finished his eligibility with Tampa, Rojas returned to Trinidad and Tobago to play for professional side, Joe Public FC.

"Coach Smith is putting together a good team and I'm looking forward to playing with the guys he has brought together. I've been training and getting ready to play with the Silverbacks this summer and hopefully represent my country as well," said Rojas.

The Trinidad and Tobago National Team qualified for the 2006 World Cup, while Rojas isn't currently on the roster, he says he hopes to be called up to play for the team and represent his country. By signing with the Silverbacks, Rojas has regained "active status" which makes him eligible for the national team. Rojas has around 30 national team caps and hopes to add to that number this summer.

Scott Buete, 5'8, 165, joins the Silverbacks after spending two seasons with the Chicago Fire. Buete was Chicago's first round draft choice and the ninth pick overall in the 2004 MLS draft. The Fire drafted Buete out of the University of Maryland where he served as team captain. Buete, an NSCAA All-American, led the Terrapins to an ACC Championship title and two NCAA Final Fours.

Buete commented on the upcoming season, "I'm excited to get the season started with Atlanta. I think the team is made up of a great group of talented players who want to win. I'm ready to get started."

Shaun Kalnasy, 6'2, 190, joins the Silverbacks after spending last season with Chivas USA. Kalnasy began his professional career with an invitation to attend preseason with the Los Angeles Galaxy. After two months of preseason, Kalnasy left the Galaxy and signed a developmental contract for the remainder of the year with Chivas USA. The 2003 PDL Western Conference Goalie of the Year, spent two years in the USL's PDL with the Spokane Shadow. Kalnasy was a red-shirt freshman his first year at Wake Forest University, before transferring to Loyola Marymount University. Kalnasy finished his collegiate career at Loyola Marymount with four trips to the NCAA tournament and two Top-25 finishes in his sophomore and junior years.

"I'm excited to continue my career in Atlanta. We have a great group of guys and I'm looking forward to working with such a knowledgeable goalkeeper coach. Jukka has a ton of goalkeeping experience both playing and coaching and I'm excited to learn from him," said Kalnasy.

The Silverbacks also announced the release of Greg Chevalier and Ron Plute. Chevalier played in 21 games for the Silverbacks in the midfield and defense, while Plute played in 20 games for the Silverbacks in the defense.

The Atlanta Silverbacks Men officially began preseason on Sat., April 1. The team will train and play closed preseason matches in preparation for the start of the regular season. The Silverbacks travel to Puerto Rico to open the season against the Islanders on April 21. For season tickets or individual game ticket information please call 1-866-GO-BACKS.

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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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