And with this weekend's events, 2013 is now no more, off to be dust in the wind. The time has come to pose questions and guess at the answers (however ill-informed our answers may be). Was the black kit a preview of what we can expect for 2014? Will there be a team to wear a new shirt, or will we all be pouring out a 40 oz. on the smoldering ruins of Silverbacks Park? What of the Martyn Lancaster situation? A club source VERY close to the situation suggested to me this morning that we may have seen the last of him in a Silverbacks shirt. If this holds true, it really is a sad end in Atlanta for a man who has only represented the team with class over the course of two tours of duty. Who will take the step up to MLS? Nasco certainly comes to mind, with Menjivar (per previous speculation) and Barrera also having a shot. Alas, so begins a very interesting offseason around these parts.
At least we know the Reserves will be around, so there will be games in some capacity. Whether or not the "A team" will be in the NASL remains to be seen, but I'll be there no matter what league they're in. As far as players, I think a lot of that does have to do with what league the team is in. If they move down to NPSL solely for example there's no way we'll see most of these guys again. However if they're still in the NASL I think we'll see for the first time most of the roster remain. They're still young and have a lot of room to grow. We need more firepower, though. Goals were way too far and few between especially in the fall. Moving up/away? If Nasco is around next year I'll be totally shocked. Only thing against him is his age, but he still has many years in him. I can see Menjivar getting picked up. Not too sure about Barrera as I think his 40 red cards this year went against him. If he can get his temper under control then for sure. As far as Lancaster goes, I definitely see him leaving, which sucks. Honestly though towards the end there he was making a lot of mistakes. Yeah, the format was stupid and didn't inspire the best performance in the fall, but still. Add that to whatever happened at the final and I can see him taking off or even retiring. Seriously, what was with that line-up? Eh, whatever, it's done now.
Yeah, don't even get me started on the lineup. I didn't understand breaking up Blanco and Menjivar in the middle when Paulini (no offense to him) has hardly played this year, and I didn't understand going with Stisser (who has done little in the fall) over Luna. Sure, Luna has his detractors, but he does score at a decent rate.
From the Silverbacks' Facebook page: "We can't wait to continue growing and make 2014 an even better year!" That puts some fears to bed, perhaps.
In the post interview Haynes said something about the Cosmos' defense not working for Luna as they would've had him smothered. So I can see going out wide to split the defense but then there's nobody there to smash it in like Luna would. Sorry but Stisser just doesn't have that killer instinct, at least not yet. I mean at least stick Willis in there to win headers and hold the ball. The 2014 statement is pretty exciting, I guess we just need to see in what capacity they'll be around.
Reading the tea leaves a bit, but it seems like the word "growing" would not be synonymous with dropping down from the NASL. Maybe they've found out they're getting a ton of money for a new stadium in Cobb County...wait, wrong team.
More from Facebook (as seen in response to someone): "... 2014 season tickets will likely go on sale this week!"
Me no likey offseason. Five looooooooong months. I cope by watching Premiere League and Champions League, but nothing beats live footy. Wish we had a longer season. Okay, that's it. Just felt like sharing.
I hear you. I was just thinking about how far away April is yesterday, actually...until Auburn distracted me for a bit.
As more teams are added the season should get longer (sucks for Northerners), but as long as we have cold winter teams in the leagues, USA/Canada offseason for soccer will be long. Well unless a NASL can win the Open Cup and make it out of the groups in the CCL, the second round starts late February or early March usually.
Waldo & Haynzie dedicated to kicking even more ass next year (JPEG of print only AJC article): https://twitter.com/ATLSilverbacks/status/402916018802024448/photo/1/large Great to read about their plans!
After reading this and thinking about what's going on in MLS, I'm gonna go on record saying I think there is still a small, outside chance there is a plan for Blank to buy the club. Right now MLS is set to have 21 clubs in 2015, when their new TV contract goes into effect. At least NYCFC will play in a temporary venue the first year or so, and maybe Orlando for one year. Adding ATL at the GA Dome lower bowl in 2015 would make it an even 22, and add our large media market in time for start of the new TV contract. Wynalda & Haynes would be perfect Head Coach & Assistant Coach for 1st Division. Boris & Traffic's decision to keep the club around then makes more sense financially, because they make some money from Blank in exchange for keeping the organization up and running until Atlanta expansion announcement is made. Would require unusual cooperation between NASL & MLS and is unlikely, but if it happens, I called it.
Buy your 2014 season tickets before March 1 and you'll be entered to win round-trip airfare for two to Mexico, thanks to @AeroMexico_com!— Atlanta Silverbacks (@ATLSVBpark) November 22, 2013 Want to fly anywhere in Mexico for free? Buy 2014 season tix at 404-969-4900 and you could win round-trip airfare for 2 via @AeroMexico_com!— Atlanta Silverbacks (@ATLSVBpark) November 22, 2013
Congrats to former Silverbacks defender Mark Bloom, who had his option exercised by @MLS side @torontofc. Best of luck, @markbloom21!— Atlanta Silverbacks (@ATLSVBpark) November 30, 2013 Bloom staying in Toronto, so hopefully the Silverbacks will get a decent bit of money in return.
Wynalda on FIFA.com: http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball...30280/index.html?intcmp=newsreader_news_box_4
And as many of us have heard by now, Brian Haynes' contract hasn't be renewed. http://www.atlantasilverbacks.com/fc/news/item/club-declines-contract-extension-on-haynes The second half slump has been cited as a reason for his departure, but one has to think that there might be something more political at hand here.
Facebook commenter said incoming coach from MLS? Anyone know if there is any truth to this? (We placed 3rd in overall season standings. Not bad at all, but Fall season was very tough to watch. Can see both sides of the issue.)
"Eric Wynalda told me that, if offered, he would take the now vacant head coaching position for @ATLSilverbacks." https://twitter.com/AlexiLalas/status/410168925880848384
I also think there is more to it than the second half slump. Either they quickly announce somebody with tons of experience that is already lined up, or we wait and wait and they name somebody that is unknown and will work cheap. Using the past as a guide I put my money on the cheap guy.
I dunno. If Alexi Lalas is tweeting that Wynalda told him he'd take the job, then I am guessing it's Wynalda. By keeping the club going and restarting the reserves, it looks like there has been a bit of a renewed commitment on the financial front. But whatevs, we'll find out...
In depth article, with more quotes from both sides. Also includes the scoop that Boris has a new unidentified biz partner (to be revealed soon) who helped him buy back the majority ownership from Traffic: http://www.indyweek.com/triangleoff...-of-his-tenure-as-atlanta-silverbacks-manager They claim Wynalda not front runner for job, but still insist Fall season was reason for dismissal. Really hope that's true and they don't go "cheap" on new coach.