Late Goal Drops Silverbacks in 3-2 Thriller

Published on June 12, 2011 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


The Atlanta Silverbacks fell to FC Tampa Bay, 3-2, Sunday night at Al Lang Field in St. Petersburg, Fla. A goal from Aaron King in the 87th minute clinched the victory for FC Tampa Bay. 

FC Tampa Bay applied early pressure on the Silverbacks defense, with forwards Warren Ukah and Mike Ambersley each coming close to putting the home team in front within the first five minutes.

The Silverbacks settled down shortly thereafter, but as the first half developed, FC Tampa Bay's lively attack finally paid off. Ambersley rifled a left-footed volley past Silverbacks goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer in the 31st minute, finishing off a cross from midfielder Tsuyoshi Yoshitake.

FC Tampa Bay's lead didn't last long. Just three minutes later, Silverbacks defender Willie Hunt powered a headed effort past goalkeeper Jeff Attinella, leveling the score at 1-1. Midfielder Ciaran O'Brien supplied the pass to Hunt, who scored for the second time in two games against FC Tampa Bay this season. 

The second half had plenty more to offer, and it started in the 50th minute when O'Brien was taken down in the penalty area by Attinella. A penalty kick was awarded to the Silverbacks, but O'Brien couldn't convert, seeing his shot blocked by Attinella. FC Tampa Bay went back ahead four minutes later when Ambersley tapped home his second of the game following a diving save from Maurer. 

The Silverbacks evened the score at 2-2 in the 64th minute when midfielder Jordan Davis beat Attinella with a 35-yard blast. O'Brien provided the pass to Davis, recording his second assist of the game.

The game took another interesting turn in the 70th minute. Silverbacks defender Shane Moroney was whistled for fouling Yoshitake, giving Ambersley a chance for a hat-trick with the penalty kick. Ambersley's low effort was saved by Maurer, who dove to his right to parry the shot away.

The game-winner came in the 87th minute after a spell of repeated saves from Maurer. FC Tampa Bay defender Frankie Sanfilippo curled in a cross to the far post, which was met by Aaron King with a powerful volley. King's first goal of the season ended up standing as the difference, earning his team a 3-2 win in front of the home fans.  

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North American Soccer League Stories from June 12, 2011


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