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New York Cosmos goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer is from the Atlanta area, and got his start in the NASL with his hometown Silverbacks. While Maurer has since moved on to bigger and better things, he's apparently still got a soft spot for his former club.
The rumors that the Silverbacks could be relocated or even fold have been picking up steam recently. Maurer took to Twitter today to show his support for his former club, expressing hope that something can be done to keep them playing in Atlanta:
Hate hearing that the club where I got my start may be folding. Really hope something can be resolved to keep @ATLSilverbacks alive...(cont)
— Jimmy (@JimsMaurer) November 16, 2014
...Atlanta can be a great soccer city. I have no doubt it can support both a @naslofficial club and a @MLS one. #HometownLove
— Jimmy (@JimsMaurer) November 16, 2014
Drawing crowds has never been a problem for the Silverbacks, though with the thrifty manner with which the current ownership group operates, how they'd fare with MLS competition is certainly a bit of a doubt. I think it's safe to say that most NASL fans are hoping that Maurer is correct though, and that something can be done to keep the Silverbacks in Atlanta.