If Alvarez

does not make the MetroStars final roster, he will come

to play for the Silverbacks this season and fulfill the

role of attacking midfielder.

"Alvarez

is an exceptionally strong player, one of the top players

in the country, and if he does not make it to MLS, the

Silverbacks will be more than happy to have him come and

play for us," said Balson.

Next, Brian

Piesner of Rutgers University was the Round One choice

for the Silverbacks. The Dallas Burn of MLS also drafted

Piesner. He is a developmental player for the Dallas

Burn, and if released by the Burn after preseason

training, he will come directly to the Altanta

Silverbacks. "Piesner is a left-sided player which

is something we are lacking on the team right now. He has

exceptional speed and is able to take players on in the

wide positions," said Balson

The final

choice was Matt Elliot of Clemson University who was

chosen during Round Two of the A-League Draft.

"Elliot will definitely give one-hundred percent all

the time. I'm sure the Silverbacks will sign him,"

said Balson. Elliot is a defender who can fulfill either

the defensive or midfield role for the Silverbacks.

"I'm

very happy with our three picks. I believe the three

young American players Alvarez, Piesner and Elliot will

all improve the quality of the Atlanta Silverbacks,"

said Balson. The three players are each expected to

fulfill important team roles for the Silverbacks.

The Atlanta

Silverbacks open the 2000 season on Saturday, April 15th

at DeKalb Memorial Stadium. Kick-off is at 7:30pm. Season

and group tickets are now available. For more

information, call the Silverbacks front office at (404)

377-5575.