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Preview: Silverbacks to Host Independence on Saturday

March 13, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


ATLANTA - With two preseason matches under their belts and a roster that seems to fill out more and more each day, the Atlanta Silverbacks are set to play host to USL expansion-side Charlotte Independence on March 14 at Silverbacks Park. The friendly features free admission and parking.

"The overriding thought of preseason has to be about building a good relationship between the group," First-year Silverbacks head coach Gary Smith said. "Out of our roster, about 10 guys are new to the city and new to the Silverbacks. It's a big part of my job to make sure they are all moving in the right direction. All of that is seen more prevalently in the games; the games are the product of what we are doing in training as a group.

"This game against the Independence will be our most testing of the preseason. It comes at a time where we are still finding our feet, but we need to face this challenge and see how we react to it."

Both teams feature incomplete rosters, with Atlanta returning just five players from 2014 out of the 16 players currently under contract.Those returners - center back Edgar Espinoza, midfielders Alex Harlley and Ferrety Sousa, and forwards Shaka Bangura and Jaime Chavez - combine with an experienced arsenal of international outfield players. Both of Atlanta's goalkeepers are new to the team in Steward Ceus and C.J. Cochran.

"I will be taking a closer look at our team shape," Smith said. "I'll be looking at who's playing well and who the stronger guys are. At some point, I have to start making my mind up about what our first XI will look like. This match will show us a lot about what our team looks like tactically and how effective the team is."

Smith is sure to tinker with both his lineup and formation, having fielded a first-team 4-3-3 in last week's doubleheader against Georgia State University and Georgia Southern University. The Silverbacks escaped with a scoreless draw against Georgia Southern, fielding primarily trialists. Atlanta edged Georgia State, 1-0, with contract players on the pitch.

Forward Matt Horth - all-time NASL leading scorer for the Silverbacks - opened his account with a clockwork run into the middle of the 18-yard box. Winger Kyle Porter slid a well-measured ball to Horth, which he finished off his right foot.

Both Cochran and Ceus cashed in clean sheets, with Ceus claiming the victory over Georgia State. The 2009 MLS draftee earned a call-up to the Haitian National Team and will be away from the Silverbacks from March 21 to April 1.

"At this point, everything looks good for us," Smith said. "But, as always, everything looks good on paper. Now it's time for us to start bringing it to life in preparation for the regular season and our first match versus Indy."

The Silverbacks home opener presented by Allstate is on April 4 against the Indy Eleven at Silverbacks Park.

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