Sports stats



Silverbacks Add Central Midfielder Michael Reed

February 27, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


ATLANTA - A week prior to the Club's opening preseason friendly, the Atlanta Silverbacks announced a coup of a signing in NASL veteran midfielder Michael Reed. The former Minnesota United man adds box-to-box depth to Silverbacks first-year head coach Gary Smith's team sheet.

"At this stage in the development of the group, Michael is a great addition," Smith said. "He's got nice experience at this level. He's that 'No. 8' with energy, ability to help the back four and quality to go and join the front players. He's capable of doing everything competitively and technically, and looks a very good team player."

Reed, a 27-year-old Albuquerque, N.M., native, featured for Minnesota in 31 appearances after debuting in 2012. He scored his only goal with Minnesota in Week 7 of the 2013 Spring Season, equalizing against the Tampa Bay Rowdies.

"I try to see myself as a selfless player, where I make runs to open up opportunities for others," he said in a 2013 interview with the Minnesota Star Tribune. "Obviously, you don't get the ball as much, but you create opportunities for the team. It's a key role that is not as noticeable, but it opens up a lot of things, and I think it's something that I bring to the team."

The University of Albuquerque alumnus earned five All- Mountain Pacific Sports Federation honors in his four years as a Lobo. After a redshirt freshman year in 2006, Reed started 60 of his 76 appearances with the Lobos, scoring three times and delivering 11 assists. In 2010, as a senior, he was most productive with 20 starts, two goals and six assists.

"In terms of his personal abilities, he's a good footballer," Smith said. "He's one of those old-fashioned, two-way midfield players. In the modern game, you see it broken up a bit more; there are more specific roles. People want to identify as a screen or defensive midfield player or identify as a No. 10.

"Michael's one of the old-school midfield players that is asked to do everything."

The Silverbacks home opener presented by Allstate is on April 4 against the Indy Eleven at Silverbacks Park. 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.

• Discuss this story on the North American Soccer League message board...

North American Soccer League Stories from February 27, 2015


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.

Other Recent Atlanta Silverbacks Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central