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Silverbacks Blanked by Cosmos in 2014 Opener

April 13, 2014 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


Hempstead, N.Y. (April 13, 2014) - The Atlanta Silverbacks didn't open the 2014 North American Soccer League (NASL) season the way they were hoping to, falling hard on Sunday to the league's defending champions, the New York Cosmos, 4-0 at James M. Shuart Stadium in Hempstead, N.Y.

Cosmos defender Carlos Mendes had a game to remember, notching a pair of goals to lead his team to a comfortable victory in front of their home fans on opening night.

Silverbacks Technical Director Eric Wynalda fielded a lineup that featured four players that started against the Cosmos in last November's NASL Soccer Bowl 2013. Defenders Mike Randolph, Bobby Reiss, and Beto Navarro and midfielder Lucas Paulini were those familiar faces, and the rest of the team was made up of newcomers.

The Cosmos started the game with the majority of the possession, however, it was the Silverbacks that created the game's first substantial scoring opportunity. In the 16th minute, forward Deon McCaulay was played in on goal, and forced Cosmos goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer into a diving reaction save. Forward Kwadwo Poku then followed up on the rebound, forcing Maurer into a second diving save.

The Silverbacks established some physicality early on, but it led to several fouls being called. One of those fouls occurred right outside the Silverbacks penalty area, giving the Cosmos a good look at goal from 19 yards out. Cosmos midfielder Marcos Senna's shot forced Silverbacks goalkeeper Derby Carrillo into a save, but the rebound fell to defender Carlos Mendes, who helped the ball over the line to make it 1-0 in the 23rd minute.

The early goal didn't deter the Silverbacks from attacking, with midfielders David Estrada and Junior Sandoval getting decent looks at the Cosmos goal. The home team was very good at taking their offensive chances, though, and in the 32nd minute, it was 2-0. A fortunate bounce saw the ball land right at Ayoze's feet at the back post, and the Spaniard made no mistake, depositing the ball into the side netting to double his team's advantage.

Six minutes later, the Cosmos' first two goalscorers combined for a third. Ayoze's corner kick found the feet of Mendes, who side-footed a shot low into the net past Carrillo for a 3-0 lead.

The three-goal deficit gave the Silverbacks a mountain to climb in the second half, but they came out of the locker room with strong intent. Wynalda took Navarro out and inserted forward Jaime Chavez for more help in the attack. The move almost immediately paid off, as Chavez forced Maurer into a pair of saves on separate occasions within 10 minutes of entering the field.

It was all Silverbacks early in the second half, with midfielder Junior Sandoval and Chavez getting two more great looks at goal in the 56th and 58th minutes respectively. Maurer was on his game all night long, stopping a strong header from Sandoval and a clever chip from close range by Chavez.

The Cosmos weathered the early second half storm, however, and nearly made it 4-0 in the 67th minute. Midfielder Sebastian Guenzatti directed a header off the crossbar following a corner kick, and the Silverbacks were able to frantically clear the ball away to safety.

The 4-0 score line wasn't far away, however, as the Cosmos again found the net in the 73rd minute. Guenzatti played provider this time, finding the head of forward Mads Stokkelien at the back post.

It was a disappointing start to the season for the Silverbacks, who created plenty of opportunities throughout the game, but they couldn't find the net. The Silverbacks now turn their attention towards the home opener on Saturday, which will see them host the San Antonio Scorpions at 7:30 p.m. at Atlanta Silverbacks Park. To purchase tickets, visit atlantasilverbacksfc.com or call the ticket office at 404-969-4900.

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