Atlanta Silverbacks Head Coach Brian Haynes has been using this preseason to evaluate several promising trialists, and in defender Bobby Reiss'case, Haynes has seen enough to be convinced. The Silverbacks signed the young defender to his first professional contract on Wednesday, adding depth to the club’s backline going into the 2013 season.
Reiss, 22, played youth soccer in California alongside Silverbacks teammate and El Salvador international Richie Menjivar. The two then played a season together at the University of Evansville before they each decided to transfer. Reiss ended up at Cal State Fullerton, where he would serve as team captain. The Palmdale, Calif., native played three seasons for the Titans, primarily playing center back.
Silverbacks Technical Director Eric Wynaldasent Reiss to the club’s preseason training camp on March 4, and after impressing in training and appearing in a few preseason matches, the Silverbacks decided to offer him a contract.
“I’m blessed and extremely fortunate to get this opportunity in Atlanta,” Reiss said. “I’m thankful for all of the people that helped me get to this point, and now I’m just excited to take the next step and get the season going with my new teammates.”
The 6-foot-1 defender, who will wear #4 for the Silverbacks, is primarily a central defender, but can also play on the outside. Reiss and his fellow teammates will host Clayton State University in a closed-door scrimmage on Thursday at Atlanta Silverbacks Park, while their next official preseason game comes on March 30 against USL Pro side Charlotte Eagles.
The club will kick off its third season as a member of the NASL on April 13 when they host the Fort Lauderdale Strikers at 7:30 p.m. at Atlanta Silverbacks Park.