Atlanta Silverbacks Press Release – www.atlantasilverbacks.com

Friday, March 27, 2009

ATLANTA, GA – The Atlanta Silverbacks of United Soccer Leagues W-League announced recently, the return of Ronda Brooks, Carolyn Ford, Rebecca Hall and Tara Minnax, the starting defensive line from last season, and one of the best in the league.

“Having Brooks, Ford, Hall and Minnax all return is very exciting for the sheer consistency and stability that they all bring to the field,” said Atlanta Silverbacks’ General Manager, Laura Fedrigo. “They were able to anchor the defense last year, which was crucial to our success.”

The Silverbacks defense only allowed six goals last season, recording a club-record 10 shutouts in 14 games, which led Atlanta to an undefeated regular season. Together, the foursome of Brooks, Ford, Hall and Minnix logged 4,464 minutes on the Silverbacks backline during the 2008 season. Together, the rest of the 2008 Silverbacks defenders played a combined total of 917 minutes.

Brooks, Ford and Hall, will all be returning for her third seasons with the Silverbacks. Minnax will return for her fifth season with the team, joining the Silverbacks after playing with the Atlanta Beat in 2003 and 2004. Minnax will continue to extend the record as the Silverbacks Women’s player with the most games played. In addition to anchoring the defense each also contributed on the offensive side as well with Brooks contributing two goals each season and Becks having two goals and an assist last year.
“In addition to the presence that they bring on the field, Ronda, Carolyn, Becks and Tara will also bring their leadership and passion for the game,” said Fedrigo. “They are all amazing players, as well as good people off the field. They are all positive representations of what our team is about.”