The Atlanta Silkverbacks did not make postseason play in 2012, but everyone in the organization believes a corner was turned.
Down the stretch, the Silverbacks were the hottest team in the North American Soccer League.
They closed out the season with only one loss in the final eight regular season games (3-1-4).
Hope is that some of that momentum will carry over to the 2013 season.
Head coach Brian Haynes will begin his first full season with the club. His leadership was important to last year’s late-season run.
Also back is Eric Wynalda, the Silverbacks’ Technical Director.
There have been some changes in the locker room. Forward Matt Horth signed with the New England Revolution, defender Chris Klute sealed a season-long loan move to the Colorado Rapids, and midfielder Ciaran O’Brien has moved on to play with the Carolina RailHawks.
The club also parted ways with goalkeeper Daniel Illyes, defenders Patrick Robertson and Jose Burciaga, Jr., midfielder Tony McManus and forward Reinaldo Navia.
But the cupboard is not bare. Many of the returning players are coming from recent training stints with Major League Soccer teams. Defender Beto Navarro spent time with Vancouver Whitecaps FC, midfielder Borfor Carr trained with the Chicago Fire, midfielders Milton Blanco and Danny Barrera were in preseason with Chivas USA, and forward Pedro Mendes gained experience with Toronto FC.
Silverbacks midfielder Richie Menjivar was recently notified of a call-up by El Salvador for a March 21 friendly against Ecuador. TheAmerican-born midfielder will be looking for his sixth national team cap.
Other newcomers for 2013 include defender Bobby Reiss, 22, who played youth soccer in California alongside Menjivar. They also played a season together at the University of Evansville before deciding to transfer. Reiss ended up at Cal State Fullerton, where he became team captain.
Two midfielders have also earned contracts from preseason competition. Brandon Manzonelli and Mark Withers have been signed. Both have international experience.
Manzonelli, 23, signed with Spanish giant Villarreal CF at the age of 16. A native of St. Louis, he has represented the U.S. at the U-18 and U-20 national team level.
Withers, a native of Lake Mary, Florida, comes to Atlanta from the Dallas Sidekicks of the Professional Arean Soccer League. He played with the Silverbacks Reserves in 2012.
Regarding the reserve team, the club announced earlier this year that the Silverbacks Reserves will go on hiatus during the 2013 season.
The Reserves, who launched under the name Atlanta FC, have competed in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) since 2008.