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Silverbacks Sign Okafor, Miller

The Atlanta Silverbacks have signed midfielder Jonathan Okafor and defender Kyle Miller ahead of the 2015 season
Feb 3, 2015

A pair of 25-year-old USL Pro veterans have joined the Atlanta Silverbacks, the club  announced on Tuesday. Midfielder Jonathan Okafor signed with Atlanta after 28 appearances with Arizona United in 2014 and defender Kyle Miller after 23 appearances with Oklahoma Energy FC.

"Both Jonathan and Kyle will enter our season with high expectations," Silverbacks head coach Gary Smith said. "They are athletic players with strong professional backgrounds that bring potential on top of their footballing abilities."

Both Miller and Okafor were drafted into Major League Soccer out of college  by Sporting Kansas City and Chivas USA, respectively  but neither saw first team action in competitive fixtures.

In a friendly for Sporting Kansas City, Miller scored an opportune equalizer against  Barclays  Premier League  side Stoke City. An ill-placed clearance by Stoke’s keeper met Miller’s forehead before looping into the empty goal. The goal came in second half stoppage time of a  1-1  draw. Miller also made an appearance in an international friendly against Monpellier Herault SC and appeared in seven MLS Reserve League matches.

"Kyle is a talented and versatile outside back with all the athletic qualities to supply width and creativity to our flanks," Smith said. "He has a good professional background, having been drafted by Kansas City, and is a solid addition to the team."

All in all, the Rockhurst University All-American scored one professional competitive goal, in the Energy’s 4-0 victory over Arizona in April of 2014. He was named to the USL Pro Team of the Week for that performance.

Okafor, a 5-foot-11 box-to-box ranger, was drafted by Chivas USA in 2011 but never signed. Instead, he played at Finland’s MYPA with 30 appearances and a pair of goals. In 2014, he featured in 28 matches for Arizona United with three goals.

"Jonathan is a powerful and pacey wide midfielder with terrific one-versus-one  ability," Smith said. "He has tremendous potential with high expectations for the 2015 season."

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