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Silverbacks Top FC Edmonton 1-0 in Wynalda's Final Game on Bench

July 19, 2014 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


Atlanta, Ga. "" The Atlanta Silverbacks kicked off their NASL Fall Season home schedule with three points, topping FC Edmonton, 1-0, on a cool evening at Atlanta Silverbacks Park. A beautiful second-half goal from midfielder Pablo Cruz was enough to hold off the Canadians, who failed to score for the second straight game.

Saturday represented a changing of the guard in Atlanta, with technical director Eric Wynalda coaching his last game for the club. Jason Smith, who will take over as head coach, joined Wynalda on the bench for the game. The two collaborated to put out a starting lineup with several changes from last weekend's 3-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Rowdies.

Goalkeeper Joe Nasco, who was just acquired on loan from Major League Soccer's Colorado Rapids, started in net, while defenders Ryan Roushandel and Mike Randolph and midfielder Kwadwo Poku were also drafted into the starting eleven. FC Edmonton's lineup featured two familiar faces, with former Silverbacks players Beto Navarro and Horace James starting against their former club.

Both teams came out of the gates slowly on Saturday night, failing to ask any serious questions of the opposing defense. Midway through the first half, the Silverbacks finally had a good look at the visiting goal when a shallow clearance fell right to defender Borfor Carr. The Liberian defender made good contact on a full volley, firing the ball inches wide of the far post.

In the 32nd minute, it was FC Edmonton forward Frank Jonke's turn. He dribbled through the heart of the Silverbacks defense, carving out a good angle on goal. He hooked the shot a bit, however, and it flew comfortably wide of the Atlanta net.

The Silverbacks started to put pressure on FC Edmonton right before the end of the half, with midfielder Junior Sandoval seeing a point-blank shot blocked in first-half stoppage time.

The final 45 minutes were much more exciting, as both teams showed increased intent going forward. The Eddies were probably the side that came out better in the opening minutes of the second half, with James and defender Albert Watson each putting efforts just wide of the net. James' scoring opportunity in the 65th minute represented the best chance for either side up to that point in the game. The Jamaican midfielder's full volley bounced inches wide of Nasco's post.

The possession started to favor the Silverbacks as the second half wore on, and in the 74th minute, a foul by Watson on Poku gave the home side a great look at goal. Cruz, who is somewhat of a specialist on free kicks, stepped up to take it and he made no mistake. The Pasadena, Calif. native curled the ball over the wall from about 20 yards out, beating FC Edmonton goalkeeper John Smits to make it 1-0 in the 75th minute. It was Cruz's second goal in the last three league games.

FC Edmonton introduced 17-year-old midfielder Hanson Boakai with about 10 minutes to go, and the Canadian made an immediate impact on the game. In the 83rd minute, the youngster thought he had put his team level, but Nasco made a monstrous diving save, tipping the shot just inches over the crossbar.

Watson had FC Edmonton's final scoring opportunity in stoppage time, but his header fell wide of the net. The Silverbacks back line would stay strong in the end, clinching three crucial points in their first home game of the NASL Fall Season.

The Silverbacks remain at home next weekend, hosting first-place Minnesota United FC on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased over the phone at 404-969-4900 or online at atlantasilverbacksfc.com.

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