Silverbacks Make Coaching Change

Team parts ways with Abundis, replaces him with veteran assistant Chacón 

The Atlanta Silverbacks have relieved JOSÉ MANUEL ABUNDIS of his head coaching duties, replacing him with last season’s assistant, ALEX PINEDA CHACÓN.

The coaching change comes in the wake of a disappointing on-field showing in the team’s inaugural season in the NASL. Under Abundis, the Silverbacks earned just 16 points in 28 games, finishing in last place with a 4-20-4 record.

The Silverbacks hired 38-year-old Abundis in January, giving the former Mexican international his first head coaching position. On Monday, the club announced that it had parted ways with Abundis and would be moving forward with Chacón leading the team.

“As we begin to build our team for 2012, we're excited to do it with a head coach like Alex, who has the experience, leadership, and determination needed to succeed in the NASL,” said Silverbacks President Michael Oki. “Alex understands we have high expectations for him, and he is looking forward to getting to work, so he can produce results on the field right away.”

Chacón, 41, joined the Silverbacks’ coaching staff in 2007, serving as the assistant coach for two seasons in the USL and one in the NASL. The former Honduran international’s coaching career follows an esteemed playing career. Chacón, who played professionally in Honduras, Mexico, Peru, and the United States, is best known for his achievements during the 2001 season. That year, he recorded 19 goals and nine assists for the Miami Fusion, earning Major League Soccer’s MVP honors.

Chacón will assume leadership of the Silverbacks immediately.