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Silverbacks Sign Mexican International Player

March 4, 2011 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


The Silverbacks continued their international roster movement Thursday, announcing the signing of former Mexican national team defender MARIO PREZ ZIGA.

With players from Japan, Switzerland, and Bosnia-Herzegovina already on the roster, the arrival of Prez adds even more international experience to the team. The Mexico City native represented his country 10 times at the senior level and was part of the national team squad that played in the 2004 Summer Olympics in Greece.

Having played for four different clubs in Mexico, Prez, 28, is well-established at the club level. He has played in the Mexican Primera Divisin since 2001, most recently with Atlas. Prior to his time with the Guadalajara club, Prez spent multiple seasons with first division mainstays Necaxa, Club Amrica, and San Luis.

Prez is well-known for the time he spent with Necaxa, making three stops there in his career. He appeared in 106 league games for "Los Rayos," scoring five goals as an outside defender.

The 5-foot-10 Prez will feature on the left side of the field for the Silverbacks as an outside back or a winger. The move stateside marks his first career venture away from Mexico.

"To get a player of Mario's caliber and international pedigree is absolutely fantastic," said Silverbacks Head Coach Jos Manuel Abundis. "He played on the Mexican national team not long after I did, so I'm very familiar with what his capabilities are."

Abundis isn't selling short the impact Prez could have on the team and the local community. "He's obviously someone who can really help the team on the field, but he is also going to be an important figure in the Hispanic community as we try to grow the sport in Atlanta."

The contract is pending the approval of the United States Soccer Federation and the receipt of Prez's international transfer certificate.

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