Atlanta Soccer

Back in July I posted that the Silverbacks had no intentions of returning in 2011. This was based off a conversation I had with someone who had first-hand knowledge of the organizations plans…at that time.  It was supported as NASL.com removed the Silverbacks’ icon and ceased mentioning Atlanta as an expansion city as they previously had done in written communications.  Atlanta was also excluded from the NASL’s original submission for Division 2 status as recently as September 28th, 2010.

However, during the NASL’s Annual General Meeting two additional teams for the 2011 season have been approved – The Atlanta Silverbacks and NSC Minnesota Stars.  Aaron Davidson CEO of the NASL said, “We were encouraged by fans to return second division soccer to Atlanta after a two season hiatus”. Copy of the full release is below.

The NASL now waits to hear from the USSF Board of Directors to see if their submission has been accepted.  The USSF has a meeting scheduled on November 21 in Toronto, Canada in which the decision could be made.  The NASL application also includes San Antonio (2012) and a team to be announced later (2013) in the submission.  This would give the NASL the USSF required 8 teams and account for Montreal’s spot once they join MLS in 2012.  The 8 teams submitted to play in 2011 are: Atlanta Silverbacks, Carolina RailHawks, FC Edmonton, FC Tampa Bay, Montreal Impact, Miami FC Blues, NSC Minnesota Stars, and the Puerto Rico Islanders.

Was Atlanta’s CEO Soccer Cabinet somehow involved in an effort to increase Atlanta’s chances of being a World Cup host city?  Do you think MLS’s commitment to New York, not Atlanta, as the 20th team made re-entry more appealing?

Full Press Release Below

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