Players

Forward Matt Horth was the club’s leading scorer in 2011 and 2012 and re-signed with the team on Jan. 14, 2015.

Horth, who has previously been recognized as NASL Player of the Month for his scoring efforts, returns to the Silverbacks after runs with the New England Revolution, Rochester Rhinos, and Icelandic club Leiknir Reykjavík. The 25-year-old forward led the Silverbacks in scoring in both 2011 and 2012 with 18 goals in 49 appearances.

“"It was hard to leave Atlanta previously,” Horth said. “But the situation was right and it was the correct decision to go abroad. I had an excellent time in Europe, where we won the league and my wife and I got to experience a different culture and a new way of life.

“Now, I look forward to being a part of the Atlanta Silverbacks organization once again. The club has made a lot of changes recently and taken some big strides forward. Strikers are always judged on the number of goals next to their name so I hope to do myself and Atlanta proud.”

The Akron, Ohio, native has a knack for history, scoring the Silverbacks’ first ever goal in NASL play – a 64th minute strike against Minnesota in 2011. Horth earned his first league honors in July 2011, winning the NASL Offensive Player of the Week award. In a game against the Carolina Railhawks in 2012, Horth again made history by becoming the first player to score a goal under the guidance of U.S. soccer legend and interim head coach Eric Wynalda.

“Matt, who all the fans will remember (for his big moments), has all the qualities that a genuine center forward requires,” Smith said. “He is physically capable, has a good eye for goal, and is a great team player.”