Cosmos, Raul Visit Atlanta on Saturday
April 23, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release
Atlanta Silverbacks Match Day Preview
(Atlanta Silverbacks)
ATLANTA - A clash at the top of the table between the tied-for-second Atlanta Silverbacks and front-running New York Cosmos is loaded with storylines sure create separation in the NASL Spring Season. The 2013 Soccer Bowl rematch offers Atlanta a first look at Real Madrid and Spanish national team legend Raul as the Silverbacks set their sights on a ground-breaking victory against a Cosmos side they've never beaten. The match, presented by The Joint Chiropractic, kicks off at 7:30 p.m.
The Silverbacks are 0-3-2 (W-L-T) against the Cosmos all-time, including the 1-0 defeat in the 2013 Soccer Bowl. But Silverbacks first-year coach Gary Smith has imported a focus on defense that has the Silverbacks ranked No. 2 in the league through three games.
That defense will aim to slow Raul and Co. while also pressing forward in search of a go-ahead goal. Forward Shaka Bangura is tied for the league lead with two goals in three matches - including one in last week's victory over Carolina.
Former Cosmos Hans Denissen may also play a role for Atlanta against his former team.
If the Silverbacks find that first victory over New York, Atlanta will claim at least a share of the No. 1 position, depending on Indy Eleven's result as hosts to Carolina. A Silverbacks loss will put them five points behind the Cosmos.
Following Saturday's match, the Silverbacks face back-to-back away matches - at Ft. Lauderdale and at Minnesota - before returning for a first-ever showdown against border-state rival Jacksonville Armada FC on May 16.
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 Atlanta Silverbacks Match Day Preview |
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