Silverbacks Sign Espinoza, Rivera, and Harlley

March 6, 2014 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


Atlanta, Ga. (March 6, 2014) - The Atlanta Silverbacks took another step towards finalizing their roster for the 2014 North American Soccer League (NASL) season on Thursday, announcing the signings of defender Edgar Espinoza and midfielders Janny Rivera and Alex Harlley, pending league and USSF approval.

Espinoza, 24, comes to the Silverbacks from the Los Angeles Misioneros of the Premier Development League (PDL). The 6-foot defender made 25 appearances in two seasons with the club after joining in 2011 following the conclusion of his college career. A native of Los Angeles, Espinoza started playing collegiately at Compton College (Calif.) before transferring to Kansas Wesleyan University.

"Don't let his smile fool you. Edgar is a defender that no one will enjoy playing against," said Silverbacks Technical Director Eric Wynalda. "I've been watching Edgar for several years now, and he is a player who was extremely instrumental in helping Cal FC qualify for the 2012 U.S. Open Cup. I'm glad we were able to bring him to Atlanta."

A familiar face around Atlanta, Rivera signs with the Silverbacks first team after impressing the coaching staff while playing for the Silverbacks Reserves. The Cali, Colombia native played for the Reserves in 2012 under current Silverbacks assistant Ricardo Montoya. The 5-foot-7 holding midfielder immediately caught the eye of Silverbacks Technical Director Eric Wynalda, leading to Rivera getting an opportunity to train with the professional side.

Rivera is a product of the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., where he spent four years training under Tom Durkin. After developing in their academy system, Rivera earned a spot on the team at Louisburg College (N.C.). He was named to the Junior College All-American Team while at Louisburg, opening up an opportunity for him to transfer to a NCAA Division 1 school - the University of South Carolina. The 25-year-old midfielder played one season for the Gamecocks before finishing his college career in the Atlanta area at Clayton State University.

"I've been after Janny for awhile. Going back to when I first arrived at the club, he was a player that always impressed me," Wynalda said. "I think he's ready for the opportunity to become a full-time professional, and I can't wait to start tapping into his potential."

Togo native Harlley joins the Silverbacks after being discovered by Wynalda in California. The 6-foot-2 midfielder, who happens to be the nephew of Tottenham Hotspur striker Emmanuel Adebayor, most recently played with National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) side Santa Clarita Storm FC. In 2012, Harlley led the Storm in assists with 12 and was second on the team in goals with six. A former standout at Yavapai College, where his new Silverbacks teammate Mike Randolph also played, Harlley arrived in the U.S. in 2010. The 21-year-old midfielder played three NPSL seasons with the Storm.

"I've put a lot of miles on my car going to watch Alex play, but he always made it worth the drive," Wynalda said. "He has really impressed me as a player, and he has a wonderful personality to go along with his game. I think he'll really embrace this opportunity with the Silverbacks."

The Silverbacks made one additional roster move on Thursday, releasing midfielder Mario Uribe. The Miami native spent one season with the club.

Rivera has already been training with his new teammates in Atlanta, while Harlley and Espinoza are set to arrive in Atlanta on Thursday afternoon. The Silverbacks kick off the 2014 season on April 13 in New York when they visit the Cosmos for a rematch of NASL Soccer Bowl 2013. To purchase tickets for the upcoming season, call the ticket office at 404-969-4900.



North American Soccer League Stories from March 6, 2014


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