The Atlanta Silverbacks have announced that its men's professional team will sit out the United Soccer Leagues 2009 season due to the state of the economy and the possibility that the city could land an MLS franchise.

"This was an extremely difficult decision that was prompted by the dynamic events in our economy and the soccer community," said the Silverbacks GM Michael Oki. "We would like to thank all of our fans and partners who have supported the team over the years and hope they continue to come out to the women's games."

That will not yet include professional women's soccer. Atlanta has signed a letter of intent to start an expansion team in Women's Professional Soccer in 2010. WPS kicks off in April 2009.

 

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