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Silverbacks Sign Standout Preseason Trialist Christian

March 17, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


ATLANTA - For the second time this preseason, the Atlanta Silverbacks have signed a preseason trialist. On Tuesday, the Club announced the addition of Christopher Christian - a 25-year-old defensive stalwart - after strong showings in training and two appearances in friendlies.

"Chris came in through scouting and a strong performance at the training ground and in matches," Silverbacks first-year head coach Gary Smith said. "Chris was flagged up from a close contact out in Los Angeles who knew of him and had seen him play. Once we saw him in camp, it became obvious that he was the type of player that would fit in with us."

He logged 60 minutes of match-action in the Silverbacks', 1-0, victory over Georgia State University and played 45 minutes in the Club's, 2-1, victory over USL-side Charlotte Independence.

"I felt comfortable as soon as I came in, mainly because of the character within the team," Christian said. "Guys would give you confidence and let you know you're doing a good job as long as you're putting in the effort and making sure you're staying mentally focused.

"This was a place I wanted to be as soon as I stepped foot here. So far, I love the Atlanta area - especially the support in the local community."

With professional experience in both Europe and Africa after four years as a starting center back with four goals and an assist at Villanova, Christian offers versatility with both athletic and technical ability but also as a seasoned veteran. He played for Polish second-division side Motor Lublin in 2012-13 before joining Ghanian Premier League side Liberty Professionals in 2013-14.

"I came back from Ghana and told myself I wanted to play back home after being abroad for a while," Christian said. "I started looking at opportunities and my agent found this Atlanta opportunity. Once I met coach Smith and did the minicamp, this was really a place I wanted to come to.

"I'm good friends with (Silverbacks midfielder) Jonathan Okafor, so just being here felt like it would be a good experience."

The 6-foot-2 possession-minded backliner is capable of featuring as a defensive midfielder in front of the back four, or as a left-side defender - either as a full back or, most likely, a center back.

"Chris' challenge - along with a lot of the other guys - will be to nail down a natural center back spot," Smith said. "He can play left back as well, which of course gives us a bit of versatility, but predominately he's going to be judged as a left center back."

Also announced on Tuesday, center back Edgar Espinoza and the Club mutually agreed to part ways. Espinoza appeared in 16 matches for Atlanta in 2014 with 1,282 minutes played.

"Edgar is a great professional and we will always appreciate his time with the Club," Silverbacks president and general manager Andy Smith said. "We wish him the best of luck and nothing but success in his future endeavors."

The Silverbacks open the NASL Spring Season on April 4 against the Indy Eleven at Atlanta Silverbacks Park presented by Allstate. 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.

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