Atlanta Hosts Defending Champions

Published on June 5, 2015 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


ATLANTA - The Atlanta Silverbacks (1-5-2, 8 points) will host defending champion San Antonio Scorpions (2-2-4, 8 points) this Saturday at Atlanta Silverbacks Park, presented by Reto.

The game marks the only time the teams face off during the Spring Season, and it's an important one for both. Being level in the table with eight points, both San Antonio and Atlanta need wins.

San Antonio may have won the 2014 Soccer Bowl, but it's a very team now. The success of last year has faded and the Scorpions are struggling to hold their own in the new season. Their two wins come over the Carolina RailHawks and FC Edmonton, which are, ironically, two teams closer to the top of the table.

The Scorpions have been plagued by an awful defense. They are tied for second in goals conceded with 15 over eight matches. Nine of those goals have come on the road, which bodes well for the Silverbacks.

While their defense may be a little shaky, their offense is legitimately scary. The Scorpions' attack is filled with former MLSers and NASL standouts. Omar Cummings has been on the team's best additions as he is now tied for the league goal-scoring title with four goals. Coincidentally, Cummings has a connection with Atlanta in the form of current Silverbacks coach Gary Smith. Smith coached Cummings with the Colorado Rapids.

Eric Hassli and former Portland Timber Bright Dike make up the remaining big name MLS players that have transitioned into the NASL. Also on the Scorpions' squad is forward Billy Forbes, who had an outstanding 2014 campaign. He's also been one of San Antonio's better players so far this year, too.

San Antonio also has another Atlanta connection in midfielder Pablo Cruz. Cruz was an integral part of Atlanta's team last year, but has yet to really make his mark for the Scorpions' squad.

There is a heavy Canadian connection with San Antonio as well. Nana Attakora recently earned himself a Canadian national team call up. Dike, Hassli, Brad Rusin and Joseph Nane all have spent time with Canadian clubs as well, with Toronto FC represented heavily.

On the other side of the pitch, Atlanta has it's own relationship with the Scorpions. Aside from the Smith and Cummings, Silverbacks attacking midfielder Hans Denissen has his own familiarity with San Antonio. In fact, he had his best season in the NASL with them in 2013. Denissen was chosen to the 2013 NASL Best XI.

Statistically, Atlanta has an advantage in that they're playing Saturday's game at Silverbacks Park. The Silverbacks have yet to lose a game at home during the Smith era and will look to continue that trend against one of the league's worst defenses. If the Silverbacks are able to pull out a win on Saturday, it will mark the first time they've defeated the Scorpions since 2013.

The Scorpions are a fast, experienced team that can seemingly score at will. Atlanta has one of the best defensive units in the NASL and has yet to be beaten at home. Both teams are level on eight points and both absolutely need to walk away with three more. The two teams are deeply familiar with each other, too. Needless to say, Saturday is going to be one of the biggest games of the season for both teams.

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North American Soccer League Stories from June 5, 2015


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