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Early Ejection Stuns Silverbacks at Home

September 15, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


ATLANTA - Atlanta Silverbacks (6-8-9, 26 points Combined Table) were victims of a 4th minute straight red card, seeing Minnesota United FC steal vital points at Atlanta Silverbacks Park via a 2-1 scoreline. Playing with a man advantage for 90 minutes, the Loons (10-9-4, 39 points) edged Atlanta with goals by Christian Ramirez and J.C. Banks; Atlanta's Pedro Mendes scored in the 9th minute, but the lead was short lived.

"I'm obviously disappointed; the match was there for the taking, and despite matters that were entirely out of our hands, we were the better team for stretches," Silverbacks coach Gary Smith said. "We have a quick turnaround with an important home match at home this weekend, and that's where our focus will turn."

Central defender Rauwshan McKenzie was sent off just four minutes in, after going 1-on-1 with Minnesota forward Pablo Campos, who easily went down just outside the 18-yard-box. The contact was enough for referee Nima Saghafi send off McKenzie - who had previously played every minute of both the Spring and Fall seasons with just prior three bookings in 1,984 minutes.

In the face of adversity, Atlanta quickly moved into the attack. The Loons, seeing an advantage, pushed themselves into the final third, which was all Atlanta needed. The Silverbacks made a fast counter and a fantastic Junior Burgos through-ball led to Pedro Mendes chipping goalkeeper Sammy Ndjock.

Down a man and up a goal, Atlanta continued to apply pressure to a shocked United defense. The goal advantage lasted just 21 minutes before Ramirez headed in his fourth goal in five games against Atlanta.

Loons' forward Pablo Campos almost got on the scoresheet with another header, but the ball lofted into the air and Silverbacks keeper C.J. Cochran got his fingertips to push it over the bar.

The two sides held the knotted scoreline into the locker rooms at the half.

The two sides continued jockeying for possession through the first 20 minutes of the second half. Atlanta set up dangerous attempts - including a lengthy shot from Burgos - but couldn't get it past Ndjock.

Shortly after coming on as a substitute Kalif Alhassan dribbled to the top of the 18-yard-box where he laid a simple ball off to Banks. Banks took the opportunity and ripped a deflected shot into Cochran's lower left corner, sending the Loons up a goal in the 83rd minute.

The Silverbacks host Carolina RailHawks on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at Atlanta Silverbacks Park.

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