Late Surge Not Enough in 2-1 Loss to Minnesota

May 31, 2014 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


Atlanta, GA - Despite controlling possession and creating the majority of the scoring chances, the Atlanta Silverbacks dropped a 2-1 decision to league-leading Minnesota United FC in front of 5,000 fans at Atlanta Silverbacks Park on Saturday night.

Second-half goals from midfielder Greg Jordan and forward Christian Ramirez were enough to hold off a late Silverbacks comeback that included an 85^th-minute goal from midfielder Kwadwo Poku.

Silverbacks Technical Director Eric Wynalda named a largely unchanged lineup following the club's 5-0 mid-week win over NPSL side Chattanooga FC. Defender Abdul Bangura made his first career Silverbacks start, lining up next to Ryan Roushandel and Ramiro Canovas across the back.

Forward Deon McCaulay came agonizingly close to scoring on a pair of occasions in the first half, forcing Minnesota United goalkeeper Mitch Hildebrandt into a big save in the 25th minute and then curling a shot off the crossbar just six minutes later.

Minnnesota United FC nearly got on the board in the 43rd minute through their top scorer Ramirez, but his point-blank header at the far post ended up flying just over the crossbar.

The visitors came out of the locker room at halftime with a purpose, and after pressuring the Silverbacks' back line in the opening minutes of the second half, they found the net. In the 53^rd minute, Ramirez whipped in a pinpoint cross that found the head of Jordan, and the finish was just out of the reach of Silverbacks goalkeeper Eric Ati.

McCaulay was again in the action in the 65^th minute, latching onto a through-ball in front of goal, but the Belizean forward's shot was right at Hildebrandt.

Despite the Silverbacks' pressure, Minnesota United would find a second goal through Ramirez. A high cross was sent to the far post, and a relatively unmarked Ramirez was there to nod the ball in. Defending set pieces have been a problem for the Silverbacks this season, and it reared its ugly head again, as the visitors went up 2-0 in the 72^nd minute.

There was still time for the Silverbacks to climb back, and they started to do exactly that in the 85^th minute. Substitute midfielder Alex Harlley found the feet of Poku, who absolutely buried a shot past a diving Hildebrandt to make it 2-1. Midfielder Junior Sandoval nearly equalized two minutes later, but his half-volley flew just over the crossbar, much to the dismay of the loud home supporters.

At one point during the game, Minnesota United was in line to clinch the 2014 NASL Spring Season Championship, but late goals from the San Antonio Scorpions and New York Cosmos meant that all three teams achieved victory on Saturday night, which postponed Minnesota's potential celebration.

The Silverbacks will remain home for the next two weeks, hosting Indy Eleven next Saturday night and then MLS side Real Salt Lake a week after that. For tickets to both of those games, call 404-969-4900 or visit atlantasilverbacksfc.com.



North American Soccer League Stories from May 31, 2014


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