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MLS Veteran Joins Silverbacks

March 18, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


ATLANTA - Nearly five years after seeking Rauwshan McKenzie in a trade, Atlanta Silverbacks first-year head coach Gary Smith got his man. The Silverbacks announced the signing of McKenzie - a seven-year Major League Soccer veteran - on Wednesday. Per NASL policies, details of the agreement are not disclosed.

"He'll come in as a center back with MLS experience," Smith said. "I remember playing against Rauwshan when I coached the Colorado Rapids and trying to find a way to bring him to Colorado. Adding Rauwshan, in terms of trying to piece together a back four, will create a lot of healthy competition and we'll have a lot of options."

The 6-foot-1 crushing center back has appeared in 39 MLS matches since 2008, nailing down defensive duties for the Kansas City Wizards (2008-09), Real Salt Lake (2010-11), Chivas USA (2012) and the Portland Timbers (2013-14). The 28-year-old was originally drafted by the Kansas City Wizards in the 2008 MLS SuperDraft out of Michigan State - where he earned Freshman All-Big-10 team and 1st Team All-Big-10 honors.

Aside from his more than 3,100 MLS minutes, McKenzie played 180 minutes against Mexican powerhouse Cruz Azul in two CONCACAF Champions League appearances for Real Salt Lake and one for Portland. He also helped the Timbers claim a pair of international club friendlies - both 1-0 victories over Mexico's Monarcas Morelia and the English Premier League's Norwich City.

"He's spent the vast majority of time at MLS level," Smith said. "He brings with him a real good credibility and lots of experience and he's proven that he's very, very capable at this level. Adding him to the team opens up all sorts of possibilities."

McKenzie's addition brings the Silverbacks roster to 17 players. McKenzie's experience adds to a veteran backline already featuring European's Paul Black and Simon Mensing, USL standout Kyle Miller, and Chris Christian - who earned a contract Tuesday after a successful preseason trial.

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