Atlanta Silverbacks Fall to Montreal Impact 1-3

Published on August 20, 2008 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


MONTREAL, QUEBEC - The Atlanta Silverbacks lost 3-1 against the Montreal Impact at Saputo Stadium in Quebec. The Impact took a 2-0 lead into halftime and were able to withstand an early second half surge by the Silverbacks.

The win sees Montreal climb back into the playoff race after falling to the bottom of the table in the second half of the season. In their previous contest of the season, back in April, the Silverbacks were able to beat Montreal in a 3-2 win at Atlanta Silverbacks Park.

(Photo Caption: Atlanta Silverbacks midfielder Jason McLaughlin fights off Montreal defender Cedric Joqueviel. McLaughlin was named to the USL-1 Weekly Best 11 for his efforts last week.)

The Silverbacks went into the match without the services of team captain Rodrigo Rios and leading scorer Macoumba Kandji. Coach Jason Smith looked to come out with a more defensive starting lineup moving defender David Hayes into the midfield on the left side.

"We had a poor first half and didn't seem to adjust to the pitch well," said Atlanta head coach Jason Smith. "We had some good chances off of our set pieces, but could not establish any consistency."

Montreal was able to take the run of play early on in the match, keeping control of the majority of possession. The Impact were the first to get on the scoreboard in the 30th minute after a hard strike from outside the box deflected off a Silverbacks defender and fell to the feet of the Impact's Mauro Biello. Biello took a quick first time shot low and into the back of the net, past Atlanta keeper Felipe Quintero, to put Montreal up 1-0.

Although the Silverbacks found themselves on the defensive side for much of the first half, they continued to find opportunities in front of the net. The Silverbacks continued to take advantage of Montreal's defensive mistakes but were unable to convert. Montreal goalkeeper Matt Jordan was able to make a number of reactionary saves to thwart attempts from Atlanta's Jason McLaughlin and Martyn Lancaster.

Minutes before the close of the half Montreal was able to extend their lead off a poor corner kick clearance. Tony Donatelli slotted a low ball from the right side that beat a diving Quintero. The Silverbacks found themselves headed into the half down 2-0.

After halftime, the Silverbacks came alive with an extended offensive attack that put Montreal on their heels. After a flurry of Atlanta shot attempts the ball found the foot of Lancaster in Montreal's box. Lancaster calmly spread the ball wide to a streaking David Hayes who put a first time ball across the face of the goal to an on-running Tony McManus. McManus was able to slide and direct the ball into an open Montreal goal to bring the Silverbacks back to within one.

Five minutes later, Montreal put the heat back on Atlanta as Roberto Brown was able to take advantage of a defensive mistake by the Silverbacks. Quintero had no choice but to come out of his net and challenge Brown for a one on one breakaway from the top of the box. Brown neatly placed a small chip shot over a sliding Quintero to take extend the lead to 3-1 and secure the win for Montreal.

Atlanta will continue their longest road trip of the season which sees them play four games in a span of seven days.

In their next match, the Silverbacks face the Rochester Rhinos on Saturday, August 23rd in a preview of what is to come when the Silverbacks return home for their final regular season home game on August 30th.

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USL First Division Stories from August 20, 2008


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