Silverbacks Reunite with Mendes Twins, Promote Issahaku from Reserves

July 8, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


ATLANTA - Just hours after the opening of the summer transfer window, the Atlanta Silverbacks announced the addition of a midfielder, forward and defender - each with strong ties to Atlanta. Midfielder Paulo Mendes and forward Pedro Mendes reunite with Atlanta after featuring for the Silverbacks in 2012 and parts of 2013. Defender Mohammed Bin Issahaku - a Georgia Perimeter College product with CONCACAF Champions League experience - has been promoted from the Atlanta Silverbacks Reserves. Both Paulo Mendes and Issahaku are pending ITC clearance, while Pedro Mendes will be available for Saturday's Fall Season home opener against Jacksonville Armada (7:30 p.m.), presented by Ten Institute.

Paulo and Pedro are twin brothers with more than 70 appearances in the NASL.

The three additions come on the heels of the Silverbacks announcing that full back Kosuke Kimura, defender Abdul Bangura and midfielder Junior Burgos have joined the side for the Fall Season.

Pedro Mendes

Pedro, the older Mendes brother by about five minutes, featured for the Silverbacks 33 times in 2012-13, scoring 12 goals - including 2013's NASL Goal of the Year. The Cal FC product also made a combined 13 appearances for Indy Eleven and Minnesota United in 2014.

"Pedro is the type of forward that every team needs," Silverbacks coach Gary Smith said. "He finds the goals, and that's a quality we have been looking for throughout the Spring Season and now into the Fall. He also has a streak for unforgettable goals, like his strike in 2013."

The 25-year-old forward - most remembered for his Goal of the Year-winning right-footed strike from 30 yards out against the Tampa Bay Rowdies - boasts a resume for scoring timely goals. Mendes joined the Silverbacks from the Rhode Island Reds of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) midway through the 2012 season and injected pace and creativity into the Silverbacks lineup, scoring four goals in eight games. Mendes spent time with former Silverbacks Technical Director Eric Wynalda at Cal FC, an amateur club that dispatched a pair of professional teams to make it all the way to the fourth round of the 2012 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

He will reunite with his brother for the first time since they played alongside each other at Atlanta Silverbacks Park in 2012.

Paulo Mendes

Paulo, also 25-years-old, adds a creative dynamic to the Silverbacks midfield along with an obvious familiarity with Pedro in the attack. The Goiânia, Brazil, native joined the Silverbacks for the first time in 2012, making 10 appearances with one goal - against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers.

"In soccer, mentality counts for so much," Smith said. "Bringing Paulo - who has won trophies - adds not only his technical skill, but he brings a winning mentality and a confidence that is so valuable. As an extra benefit, he will be playing alongside his twin brother again."

In 2013, Paulo joined the New York Cosmos - winning the 2013 Soccer Bowl over the Silverbacks.

Mohammed Bin Issahaku

Issahaku, a 6-foot-2 backliner with Norcross roots, adds depth to the Silverbacks defense while also bringing his experiences from the CONCACAF Champions League. The 27-year-old featured in 13 matches for El Salvadorian side CD FAS in 2014, scoring a goal. He played in both group stage ties against the New York Red Bulls on Aug. 26, 2014 and Sept. 24, 2014.

"(Issahaku)'s side and physicality are impossible to ignore," Smith said. "He's played in some of the most difficult conditions North America can offer - including Champions League matches. His experience, intelligence and, of course, physical ability add a component of depth to our midfield and backline."

Since returning to Atlanta, Issahaku has featured for the Atlanta Silverbacks reserves - helping the NPSL side to qualify for its conference semifinals, which will be played this Friday against Georgia Revolution (7 p.m. | FREE ADMISSION | Atlanta Silverbacks Park).

In 2010 with Georgia Perimeter College, Issahaku made 19 appearances with three goals.



North American Soccer League Stories from July 8, 2015


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