What you need to know:
* Former men's soccer standout CJ Cochran signed a professional contract with the Atlanta Silverbacks.
* He is the second former Panther in the past two years to sign with a pro team, joining Michael Nwiloh.
* Cochran earned his contract after impressing while on trial with NASL team during preseason training.
ATLANTA – After a record-breaking career at Georgia State, former men's soccer goalkeeper CJ Cochran signed a professional contract with the Atlanta Silverbacks of the North American Soccer League (NASL) after impressing while on trial during the preseason.
“We are really proud of CJ for signing his first professional contract,” head coach Brett Surrency said. “We know he is going to go on to do big things in his career.”
A native of Alpharetta, Ga., Cochran finished his time at GSU first in career goals against average (1.33), third in career shutouts (11), sixth in career saves (188) while compiling a 23-22-2 record with more than 4,345 minutes played.
The 6-4 shot stopper has also posted five single-season totals that rank in the top 10 in three different categories. During his senior season, he achieved career best in three categories and all three were ranked eighth or better on the GSU single-season records list. Cochran finished with a 1.47 goals against average which was good for fourth, five shutouts which was tied for third and 76 saves which ranks eighth.
Cochran is the second former GSU men's soccer player to sign a professional contract in the past two years. He joins Michael Nwiloh who signed with Chivas USA after being selected in the MLS Super Draft last season.
Be sure to check GeorgiaStateSports.com to stay up to date on all men's soccer news throughout the spring. Follow along with Georgia State on Twitter (@GSUMensSoccer) for the latest news.
