Pair Of Late Goals Down Silverbacks

Published on May 28, 2011 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


The Atlanta Silverbacks stayed even with the NASL's top team for 80 minutes, but fell 2-0 after two late goals from the Carolina RailHawks at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, N.C. Saturday night.

The Silverbacks started the game off strong, testing the RailHawks defense just five minutes into the game. A corner kick from Raphael Cox found the head of defender Willie Hunt, but RailHawks goalkeeper Brad Knighton made a diving stop to his left to keep the game scoreless.

The Silverbacks created another scoring opportunity in the 19th minute, forcing Knighton into an even more difficult save. Forward Matt Horth received a pass at the top of the penalty area and fired a shot toward the far post, causing Knighton to give up a rebound that Cox nearly stuck in to give his team the lead.

Just ahead of halftime, the RailHawks appeared to score the game's first goal. Forward Etienne Barbara, the league's top scorer, fed his attack partner, Pablo Campos, who tapped the ball past Silverbacks goalkeeper Felipe Quintero. The referee disallowed the goal, however, after ruling that the ball struck Campos's hand prior to the shot.

The two teams traded scoring opportunities early on in the second half, with Campos and Silverbacks midfielder Jordan Davis each coming close to giving their team the advantage. The RailHawks finally broke the deadlock in the 81st minute when Campos's diving header found the back of the net following a cross from Barbara. Barbara, who scored 11 goals in his first eight games, failed to score for the first time this season, but he registered his second assist of the game on the counter-attack in stoppage time.

Substitute forward Allan Russell was the beneficiary of Barbara's pass, giving the RailHawks a 2-0 lead after the Silverbacks had brought on three forwards to go for the tie.

The Silverbacks return home on Saturday, June 4, to play the NSC Minnesota Stars at Atlanta Silverbacks Park. To purchase tickets, visit atlantasilverbacks.com or call (404) 969-4900.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



North American Soccer League Stories from May 28, 2011


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central