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Atlanta Silverbacks' Home Opener This Saturday

April 19, 2007 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


Last June, the Atlanta Silverbacks loved moving into their new stadium, RE/MAX Greater Atlanta Stadium. In fact, the team loved it so much that they remained undefeated on their home turf for the first eight games. This Saturday night (4.21.07), the Silverbacks will have their 2007 home opener and look to kick off the season with a win.

The Silverbacks will take on the Montreal Impact at RE/MAX Greater Atlanta Stadium at 7:55 pm - the gates will open at 6:30 pm. The exciting evening will mark the start to the 'Backs 2007 season which will bring fans 15 summer nights filled with thrilling soccer and fantastic entertainment. Fans at the games will once again be receiving promotional items at every match this year. Saturday night's first 1,000 fans can look for calendar posters as they file in through the stadium gates.

After falling just three points shy of playoffs last season, the Silverbacks will be battling for a win and three points to start their quest for playoffs. Head Coach Jason Smith held onto the core of his team from last season and strengthened the roster during the off-season. The Silverbacks' stellar goalkeeper, Felipe Quintero, will return to guard the nets for his team; he has two new faces that will be fighting him for the starting spot. The Silverbacks picked up Ryan McIntosh a goalkeeper from the DC United reserve squad, and Daryl Sattler, a goalkeeper from PDL rival, the Nashville Metros. Justin Moore and Luis Liendo will help Matt Bobo, David Hayes, and Omar Jarun attempt to stop Montreal's offense and prevent any goal scoring opportunities. The middle of the field will see some serious depth added to the roster. Returning starters from last year's squad, team captain Rodrigo Rios, Tony McManus, and Scott Buete will feel the pressure for the starting spots from some newcomers hungry for playing time. Dayton O'Brien will bring some bursts of speed on the outside, while Angel Rivillo and Alvin Hudson will bring added experience and knowledge in the center of the field. Up top, the Silverbacks are bringing back their two leading scorers from last season, Machel Millwood and Warren Ukah. In addition, the Silverbacks acquired Daniel Antoniuk, a 6'4, 190-pound forward, from a major trade with the Montreal Impact and Rafique Hassim, a proven goalscorer from the South African professional leagues.

With a solid core returning from last year and some highly-skilled additions all over the field, the Silverbacks should give any team they face this season a tough match.

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