McIntosh star Danny Care bolsters fired up Silverbacks squad

By MICHAEL BOYLAN
mboylan@thecitizennews.com

If you're a soccer fan who has been living in this area for awhile, you have most likely heard the name Danny Care before.

He was a two-time All-American at McIntosh High School, on the 1992 state champion McIntosh soccer team, and part of the Lightning team that won one state championship at the U-17 level and two at the U-19 level. Care then attended Clemson University, where he started all four years, made the all-ACC team twice and was captain and All-American in his senior season.

Now, after some stints with Major League Soccer (DC United) and A-League soccer teams, Care has returned to Atlanta to play for the Atlanta Silverbacks, a talented A-League squad that is seriously eyeing the championship this season.

“It's nice to be playing at home, after representing this state in high school and club play,” said Care. “We have a real good group, full of skillful players. It will be exciting to see us continue to get better as a team.”

Care's time with DC United has shown him what a successful team playing at the highest level can achieve. His coach was Bruce Arena, who is now the coach of the U.S. National Team, and is one of the most successful coaches in U.S. soccer history. “They are a top notch program from top to bottom,” Care said. “It was a great experience and very easy to see why they remain such a successful program.”

The Silverbacks are hoping that some of that experience will rub off on their young team. They have made a lot of changes in the offseason, adding players like Care, who have seen lots of high level experience. The Silverbacks have also added Daniel Alvarez, who was drafted by the New York/New Jersey Metro Stars, Brian Piesner, a developmental player for the Dallas Burn, Tony Soto, a former player for the Los Angeles Galaxy and the Kansas City Wizards, Ramon Luna, a former player for the Atlanta Ruckus and Matt Elliot, another star from Clemson University.

Of Danny Care, head coach Nuno Piteira said, ”Danny is a proven veteran with experience at a high level of play. He is one of the best players to come out of Georgia.” As for the future, Care is unsure of just where his career will go. “I have proven that I can play at the highest level and be successful, but I also realize that you can only play for so long,” Care explained. “I just want to help the team do as well as we can and see where the path takes me.”

Gearing up for what is sure to be an exciting season, the team has just finished a busy preseason, playing against tough college programs as well as club teams and some other A-League squads. Their practice schedule has varied and has included camps in the mornings and practices at night. The full squad is now together and has given the coaches and players a good look at what the team's potential is.

The Silverbacks will start the regular season this Saturday, when they host the Charleston Battery at DeKalb memorial Stadium at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children under 14 if purchased in advance, and $10 for adults and $6 for children under 14 at the gate.

To get to DeKalb Memorial Stadium, take I-285 to Memorial Drive and head east toward Stone Mountain. Approximately a mile and a half down the road will be Memorial College Avenue. Take a left and the stadium is half a mile down on the left. For information or to purchase tickets, phone 404-377-5575 or visit www.atlantasilverbacks.com.

Back to the Top of the PageBack to the Sports Home Page