Defender Navarro, Midfielder James Join Silverbacks

The Atlanta Silverbacks have signed defender Alberto "Beto" Navarro and midfielder Horace James, the club announced Friday, pending USSF approval.

Navarro, 23, comes to Atlanta after a short stint with PDL side Fresno Fuego, the former club of current Silverbacks midfielder Milton Blanco. Before spending time with the Fuego, Navarro played a key role in amateur club Cal FC's run to the fourth round of the 2012 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

As a center back, the Delano, CA native was the anchor of a Cal FC backline that posted shutouts against a pair of professional sides, the Wilmington Hammerheads of USL and the Portland Timbers of MLS, back in May.

The 6-foot-1 defender, who recently spent time training with the Los Angeles Galaxy, was a standout in college for California State University-Bakersfield. He was a regular in the Roadrunners' lineup, leading the team's back line from 2007-10.

James, 27, joins the Silverbacks from Montego Bay United of the Red Stripe Premier League in his native country of Jamaica. The 6-foot-1 midfielder had also recently been on trial with MLS side Sporting Kansas City.

A native of Port Maria, Jamaica, James has also played for Jamaican first-division sides Highgate United and St. George's SC.

Both players are in Atlanta with the team, and Navarro has already been cleared to play by the USSF. He will be available to suit up for the Silverbacks on Saturday when they host FC Edmonton at Atlanta Silverbacks Park. James is still awaiting clearance. Kickoff is at 7:30pm.