Silverbacks Sign Former FC Dallas Forward Luna

With leading scorer Matt Horth departing for Major League Soccer in the offseason, the Atlanta Silverbacks needed to add firepower to their attack. The club did just that on Tuesday, announcing the signing of former FC Dallas forward Ruben Luna, pending USSF approval.

“We were faced with the difficult situation of replacing a natural goal scorer in Matt Horth, but by signing Ruben, we have found someone who can very capably fill that role,” said Silverbacks Head Coach Brian Haynes. “Putting the ball into the back of the net is what he does best, and if given the opportunity, I believe he can be one of the top scorers in the league. He is also a very unselfish player that does a great job getting his teammates involved in the attack.”

Luna, a native of Ciudad Victoria, Mexico, grew up in the United States, joining the FC Dallas Academy in high school. After scoring 38 goals in 27 games and being named U-16 U.S. Development Academy Player of the Year in 2009, FC Dallas signed Luna to a contract in 2010, making him the second Homegrown player in franchise history. He became a poster child for how the MLS academy system is supposed to work, and soon after, appeared in his first MLS game.

The 6-foot forward would go on to make more than 30 appearances for FC Dallas from 2010-2012, tallying four total goals – two in league play and two in the CONCACAF Champions League. He helped FC Dallas reach the MLS Cup Final in 2010 and also led the MLS Reserve League in scoring in 2011, with 10 goals in just nine games.

Luna isn’t a complete stranger to the NASL, having spent a short time on loan with last year’s regular season champions, the San Antonio Scorpions. He has with the Silverbacks this preseason, and has appeared in each of the team’s first three preseason games in March.

The Silverbacks kick off their 2013 season on April 13 against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers at 7:30 p.m. at Atlanta Silverbacks Park.

This article was prepared by the team and edited for publication.