Silverbacks Black Named to NASL Team of the Week
May 20, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release
Atlanta Silverbacks Full Back Paul Black
(Atlanta Silverbacks, Credit: Rich von Biberstein / Atlanta Silverbacks)
ATLANTA - After two weeks away, Week 7's showdown between the Atlanta Silverbacks and Jacksonville Armada FC provided the Silverbacks a chance to extend their 4-match home unbeaten run. They added a fifth consecutive positive result - a 1-all draw - at Atlanta Silverbacks Park and, on Wednesday, saw full back Paul Black named to the NASL Team of the Week.
"I'm obviously delighted to earn the recognition," Black said. "It's important for a player's confidence to receive honors like this and now I'll continue working to earn more."
Black, 25, is one of just five Silverbacks to have played every minute (630) of the Silverbacks' seven matches in 2015 after joining the Club under first-year head coach Gary Smith.
Armada FC carried its strong attack into Atlanta on Saturday, but the Silverbacks continued their stout defensive work to keep them at bay. Black was tasked with keeping tabs on Pascal Millien, slowing down the speedy winger and limiting his opportunities. It was another strong 90 minutes from Black, who has become a vital member of Atlanta's back line.
"Paul is the modern day full back," Smith told AtlantaSilverbacksFC.com. "He has great energy up and down the left flank, with a wonderful left foot that gives good balance to any team and defensive qualities forged through tough encounters in (England's) Football Leagues 1 and 2.
"At 25-years-old, Paul has a very bright future."
The Rochdale, England, native made 132 appearances in the English lower divisions - including 103 matches with League One side Oldham Athletic - before joining the Silverbacks. The product of the Manchester City's youth system joined Oldham after becoming a regular in the starting eleven during the 2006-07 season and captain for the youth squad. The attack-minded natural-right back also boasts call ups to the England Under-18 and Under-19 teams.
The Silverbacks travel to face FC Edmonton (4 p.m., ESPN3) on Sunday before returning to Silverbacks Park on June 6 to host the San Antonio Scorpions, presented by Reto.
Images from this story
 Atlanta Silverbacks Full Back Paul Black (Rich von Biberstein / Atlanta Silverbacks) |
• Discuss this story on the North American Soccer League message board...
North American Soccer League Stories from May 20, 2015
- Armada FC to Play Richmond Kickers May 27 in U.S. Open Cup Third Round - Jacksonville Armada FC
- Strikers Welcome Miami NASL Team - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Miami FC Becomes North American Soccer League's 12th Club - NASL
- Silverbacks Black Named to NASL Team of the Week - Atlanta Silverbacks
- Keita Named to NASL Team of the Week - Jacksonville Armada FC
- FC Edmonton ACC Match Preview & Press Notes: vs Vancouver Whitecaps FC - FC Edmonton
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
- Goal of the Year: Burgos Buries 2015 Honor
- Junior Delivers Team of the Week Performance in Finale
- Silverbacks Stall Fall Season Champions to Split Points
- Preview: Silverbacks to Close Regular Season vs. Ottawa
- Silverbacks Surge into Minnesota #MNUvATLâ=9A=BD
