Wilmington Hammerheads FC announce signing of Eric Ati for 2016 USL season
The goalkeeper is the last line of defense and often the unsung heroes on the soccer field. It takes a special personality to become a good goalie and sheer dedication to become a great goalie.
Soccer News: Wilmington Hammerheads FC announced today the addition of goalkeeper Eric Ati to the 2016 USL regular season roster.
Ati is a seasoned goalkeeper with previous experience in multiple professional leagues. He had a strong beginning to his career at Southern Poly University in Georgia, where he started all four years and was named team MVP. He was NAIA 2nd team All-American and NSCAA 1st team All-American in 2010 during his time at Southern Poly.
From there he went on to join the Atlanta Silverbacks from 2012 to 2014, helping the team win the 2013 NASL Spring Championship. Ati became the first player from the Silverbacks’ reserve squad to sign with the first team. Last season, Ati made the jump to the USL as a member of the Charlotte Independence.
“I’m looking forward to playing in front of a passionate and dedicated fan base,” said Ati. “I believe with the players that Coach Mark Briggs and his staff are bringing in, we should not only compete for a playoff spot but for the championship.”
Ati is also the goalkeeper for the U.S. National Futsal team, where he recently earned his first CAP and is preparing for the CONCACAF qualifiers.
“We are excited to be adding a player of Eric’s quality to our roster,” said Assistant Coach Matt Glaeser. “Eric has tremendous quickness and shot stopping ability as well as professional games under his belt. He will come in and immediately become a great asset to our team.”
The Hammerheads front office and coaching staff is actively recruiting talent for the 2016 USL season and expect additional player announcements to come soon.
