Silverbacks Kick off Preseason Activities

February 28, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


ATLANTA - The Atlanta Silverbacks pushed one step closer to the NASL spring season Friday, opening preseason with their first two organized training sessions of 2015.

Preparing for his first season as Silverbacks head coach, Atlanta boss Gary Smith has been tasked with uniting the six returning Silverbacks with a host of offseason signings, which will continue to trickle in as the current team has assembled for preseason.

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The players who reported Wednesday finally got to business Friday after team meetings and medical examinations dominated Thursday. A morning strength session at Georgia Fitness Pro and an on-field practice in the afternoon marked the true start of the preseason. Friendlies will come soon enough; Smith's focus now is on self-improvement.

"It's about setting standards," Smith told his team early in Friday afternoon's practice, which was the first on-field workout of 2015 and mainly featured passing drills and conditioning on the Silverbacks Park pitch to help the acclimation process.

"The better shape they're in, the quicker we can move forward," Smith said. "The mindset, the next two days especially, will be really shift them into gear to get ready for the 4th of April."

Fitness crucial in early stages

Because much of the Silverbacks arrived to Georgia within 48 hours of beginning workouts, Friday's physical obligations may have been an abrupt start on the journey to match fitness. Atlanta's season-opening match against Indy Eleven is more than a month away, but there will be more than enough on the players' agendas between now and then to keep them busy until April 4.

"They're going to be asked to undertake a lot of work in the next five weeks," Smith said. "From today's showing, I think they'll be fine."

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Goalkeeper Steward Ceus, a member of Smith's 2010 MLS Cup-winning Colorado side, participated in his first Atlanta training session Friday after signing with the Club in January.

"It was a good chance for everyone to get their feet sorted and get the travel out of their legs," Ceus said. "I think the guys responded well. We'll get pushed pretty hard and it will pay off in the end."

With hardly a week separating the first day of training and the opening set of scrimmages against Georgia Southern University and Georgia State University on March 7, the Silverbacks will have early opportunities to gauge their progress against outside competition. Fifteen days after training opens, Atlanta will welcome a professional benchmark, the USL's Charlotte Independence, for a friendly March 14.

Fitness will always be an adjustment during early sessions, but Smith said today's players treat their bodies well enough throughout the offseason, allowing coaches to devote more time to technical and tactical aspects of the game.

"The modern-day player is very different to those 10 to 15 years ago," Smith said. "The offseason was about just relaxing, recovering and enjoying. Players nowadays have different thoughts and ideas of what the offseason contains. It's not necessarily what it was in the old days.

Rebuilt squad needs to develop relationships

When new players arrive anywhere, it's understandable to focus on making impressions physically, especially in an unfamiliar environment. For the Silverbacks, though, a roster with only six returning players will make the mental connection they develop with teammates -- on and off the field -- throughout preseason just as crucial as individual performances in drills and scrimmages.

"The first couple of days, of course we'll want to get working," Smith said. "But it's such a very new group that part of it is building that rapport and relationship."

Defender Edgar Espinoza, returning for his second year with the Silverbacks, spoke highly of his first impressions of the newcomers, whom he said will enjoy life in Atlanta.

"They seem like great guys," Espinoza said. "I've been asked questions, like "˜How is it off the field?' The hospitality and the fans are great here. (The new players) are going to get treated well."

Midfielder Jon Okafor, who played for Arizona United last season, is one of the players hoping to mesh quickly into the new environment. Along with another newcomer from USL, defender Kyle Miller, Okafor said he's bonded with Espinoza early, through something as seemingly simple as discussing previous clubs and playing experiences.

"I can only speak for myself, but everyone seems nice and amicable," Okafor said. "I think we're gelling well."

Following his team's Friday afternoon session, Smith echoed Okafor's sentiment while the squad was busy enjoying post-practice music in the locker room.

"It sounds like they're having a good time getting to know one another," Smith said, motioning toward the players. "There will be good banter in the changing room. I'm sure those personalities that are in every single locker room around the world will come to the fore and start to build good relationships and bonds."

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.

HE SAID IT: Quote of the Week

"This has a been a hectic, but exciting off season. The roster has slowly taken shape with some talented additions and good balance to the squad. We can't wait to finally take the pitch at Silverbacks Park with football that's attractive and fun to be a part of."

- Silverbacks first-year head coach Gary Smith



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