Season Outlook: Atlanta Silverbacks
Venue: Atlanta Silverbacks Park
Coach: Gary Smith (first year)
2014 Finish: 10th – Combined Standings
Key Players: M/F Hans Denissen, F Matt Horth
Dutch veteran Hans Denissen is focused on recapturing his form from 2013 – a year in which he earned a NASL Best XI selection. After an injury-ravaged season with the New York Cosmos last year, a change of scenery and a clean bill of health could help Denissen make a huge impact in Atlanta. As a player who is more than capable of scoring plenty of goals, Denissen may play further back, in midfield, and look to serve as the Silverbacks’ creative force through the center of the park.
While there are several other candidates that could be added here, such as forward Jaime Chavez and midfielder Alex Harlley, the most intriguing could be Matt Horth. In a homecoming of sorts (Horth scored the club’s first-ever NASL goal), the forward will look to score plenty of goals in 2015. Head coach Gary Smith has plenty of attacking options, but Horth could be the one to spearhead the club’s scoring efforts and relive the memories that made him a fan favorite at Silverbacks Park from 2011-2012.
What They’re Saying: “It’s always nice to set expectations. If you don’t, then you certainly don’t have anything to strive for. I’ve always felt if you reach for the stars, then there’s somewhere to fall short. Without a shadow of a doubt, our expectations are the playoffs. Only when the season starts to unfold and form starts to hit can you ever tell whether or not that’s a real expectation. We have a brand new group, but there are some guys within the group who know what the league is about. We’ll find a real competitive place within the league.” – Gary Smith
“With the guys and the coaching staff we have, I expect to at least have a great shot at winning every game at home. Getting to know the players over the past few weeks, it’s a great group of players. Obviously there’s a lot of change going on, but what we’re trying to achieve is to have a fortress here in Silverbacks Park to get three points at home.” – Hans Denissen
Season Outlook: Last season proved to be a disappointing campaign for the Silverbacks, who failed to find the form that earned them a spot in the league final in 2013. With that said, the 2015 season holds plenty of promise. Under Gary Smith’s guidance, the club has made several shrewd moves in the player market this offseason. A squad made up of several NASL veterans and Smith using his contacts to sign experienced players from his native England – Paul Black and Simon Mensing – should see a markedly improved side in 2015. While Atlanta may be a few players short of competing for a title, the Silverbacks will definitely be a sleeper team to watch under the experienced Smith.
