2008 Atlanta Silverbacks Women Year-in-Review

Published on August 11, 2008 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


ATLANTA, GA - The Atlanta Silverbacks Women concluded the 2008 season with many remarkable achievements and accolades. Atlanta was one of just three teams to conclude the regular season undefeated, holding a 13-0-1 record.

The 'Backs have steadily improved each year; in 2006, the team went 6-7-1, while Atlanta recorded a 12-3-1 record in 2007. The 14-1-1 overall mark in 2008 is the best record in the team's history.

The Silverbacks went on a tear to start the season and never looked back. The team won the first 11 games of the season, outscoring opponents by a margin of 42-3. A road-weary Atlanta then tied Tampa HCU Hellenic 0-0 after playing the night before in Florida. The Silverbacks would then go on to win a tough game against rival Charlotte Lady Eagles and preserve the undefeated season, before another victory at home to close out the regular season.

The first round of the playoffs saw Atlanta take down the Long Island Rough Riders 1-0. Yet, Atlanta would meet its match again in the Washington Freedom the next day, falling 1-2 after a goal in the final minutes of the second overtime. The Silverbacks lost to the Freedom last year in the championship match as well.

The Silverbacks had some of the greatest talent in the W-League, the highest level of women's soccer in the country. Atlanta's top player was forward Sarah Steinmann, who earned the league's top honor of Most Valuable Player. Steinmann had a breakout year, scoring 19 goals and recording 40 points, ranking her first in the league in both categories. Steinmann had tallied 25 total goals in her five previous seasons in the W-League.

Also bolstering the offense was former Canadian national team player Christine Latham. Latham scored 13 goals during the year in 13 games. Both Steinmann and Latham shattered the previous club record of eight goals in a single season.

A new addition to the Silverbacks offense was midfielder Lyndsey Patterson, whose speed on the flanks helped set up many Atlanta goals. Patterson came from Seattle, after playing against the Silverbacks in last year's semifinal. Her counterpart, Krista Bobo, provided pace on the opposite site of the field and led the team in assists with five.

Both Patterson and Steinmann were named to the All-Eastern Conference Team, and Steinmann was further honored by being named to the 2008 W-League All-League Team.

The Atlanta defense proved to be nearly as stingy as it was last season. Goalkeepers Allison Whitworth and Ashley Phillips allowed just six goals in 14 regular season games. The duo recorded 10 shutouts and both rank in the top 10 for goalkeepers in the league for shutouts and GAA. Defenders Rebecca Hall, Carolyn Ford, and Ronda Brooks were all instrumental in the effort.

Another huge accolade for the Silverbacks was head coach Tony Anglin being named the 2008 W-League Coach of the Year. Anglin, in just his first season at the helm for the Silverbacks women, led the team to an undefeated regular season. In 2007, former head coach Keith Jones earned the same honor, while Anglin served as the assistant coach.

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USL First Division Stories from August 11, 2008


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