After a two-year absence, men’s professional soccer returns to Atlanta on Saturday night. Local fans hope that this time, it is here to stay.
The Atlanta Silverbacks kick off the 2011 season with big goals in mind — both on the field and in the front office — as they play host to the NSC Minnesota Stars at 7:30 p.m. in Doraville.
The Silverbacks men will play in a new league — the North American Soccer League — and will field a brand new squad at the team’s stadium, located just north of Spaghetti Junction off I-85.
The Silverbacks believe the changes will help provide the base for an enduring and successful future — one that includes playing at the highest levels.
“Our goal is to be an MLS franchise, eventually,” Silverbacks public relations manager Neal Malone said on Thursday (Major League Soccer is the top professional division in the United States). “We know that (jumping up to the MLS) is not going to happen over the next year or two. But it is certainly one of our longer-term goals.”
Anders Lindegaard vs David de Gea…?
Join in the banter at the Arsenal news site.
Cesc Fabregas should stay at Arsenal forever
Nicklas Bendtner is my hero
I think I’m in lurve with Theo Walcott
Carlos Vela and Javier Hernandez. Who is better?
I love Cesc Fabregas.
Go and visit the Emirates whilst Andrei Arshavin is still there!
I wish I could play football as well as Samir Nasri
Robin van Persie is one of my football heroes – he’s amazing!
We all lurve Thomas Vermaelen – best belgian ever!
Aaron Ramsey is back!
Have you seen the video of the Eduardo leg-break? Gruesome
William Gallas was a class act
I have been very impressed by Kieran Gibbs this season
I love Gael Clichy
Is it time for Arsene Wenger to leave?
It would be amazing to meet Theo Walcott
I think Vito Mannone is the best we have – send Jens home!
At one point Philippe Senderos was one of the most highly rated youngsters
Jack Wilshere will lead us to victory in the European Championships – I am sure of it!
I think Denilson will be world class next season
I think Abou Diaby will be world class next season
I think Bacary Sagna could teach Rafael a few lessons
The fans love Emmanuel Eboue
Ian Wright is the best striker we ever had!
Dennis Bergkamp is my hero!
Its a real shame it didn’t work out for Ryan Babel at Liverpool
Joe Cole > Fernando Torres
Can’t believe Javier Mascherano played for West Ham!
Alberto Aquilani plays for Juve now
If I could see one player in the flesh it woul eb Martin Skrtel
Jamie carragher is one of the dirtiest players I’ve ever seen
Paul Konchesky was a failure at Liverpool
Diego CAvalieri will get his chance
Daniel Agger is my hero
Albert Riera is one of my heroes
Lucas Leiva started off slow but is now Liverpools best player
I think David Ngog is one of the best of his generation.
What would we do without Pepe Reina?!
I don’#t know what we’d do without Carlos Tevez.
Carlos Tevez is one of the most important City player
Emmanuel Adebayor is an absolute God
Barry is the greatest player ever
Shay Given is my goalkeeper of choice on FIFA
Carlos Tevez is the best striker City have ever had
Can’t believe Shaun Wright-Phillips isn’t given more of a chance
I am a massive fan of Vincent Kompany
Patrick Vieira = the perfect midfield enforced
I heart Nigel de Jong