LD Update: Possible Atlanta name change - an homage or offensive?

The Atlanta Silverbacks are considering a name change, giving fans the option to re-brand the team as the former NASL name Chiefs or even as something completely different. The polling will run until the US Presidential Election Day.


The previous Chiefs were founded in 1967 and were original members of the previous NASL, winning the inaugural league championship in 1968.

Though it is obviously an attempt ride the retro branding wave around the league, the move is particularly surprising in a sports era in which teams and schools are moving away from and changing the verbiage used in regard to names and mascots. And particularly so considering the city's Atlanta Braves are one of the most cited teams, aside from the NFL's Redskins and MLB's Cleveland Indians, for being offensive.

One also has to wonder how a decision like this is considered when one of FIFA's biggest pushes right now is to stamp racism out of the sport. Though, they will argue the name is to honor Native Americans, there will no doubt be some Native Americans who find the Chiefs name offensive, no matter how it is utilized.

Placing the controversy of the Chiefs aside and the fact it would be a waste of over a decade of branding the unique Silverbacks name, there is also one other problem. There already is an Atlanta Chiefs team in the city - the minor league football team of the Gridiron Developmental Football League.

NASL GAME NIGHT

Minnesota Stars 4 :: 0 Puerto Rico Islanders - The Minnesota Stars avoided the weekend's last-minute equalizer that delayed their entry into the postseason, scoring two goals before the break. Key in the victory that ended a nine-game winless run (0-4-5) in which they also failed to score more than two in a game were Jamie Watson, who just arrived on loan from Orlando City of USL Pro, Amani Walker and Miguel Ibarra.

Watson set up Nate Polak 17 minutes in and Walker fed Ibarra in the final minute of the first half to double the advantage. Ibarra then turned provider in the second half, finding Watson five seconds into the second half and Walker seven minutes later.  The result completes the playoff field, eliminating FC Edmonton and the Silverbacks. - MORE

MISL News: The Milwaukee Wave announced the signing of Luan Sales Oliveira, an award-winning professional futsal player in Brazil.

W-League News: The LA Strikers announced that team captain Vanessa Valentine is retiring and taking the newly-open position as general manager of the team.

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