Sports stats



Scorpions Steal Victory in Atlanta

June 6, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


ATLANTA - The Atlanta Silverbacks (1-5-3, 8 points) suffered their first defeat at Silverbacks Park, falling 1-0 to the San Antonio Scorpions (3-2-4, 11 points).

The two teams spent much of the first half trying to figure each other out. The game was played mainly in the middle of the park with the occasional breakthrough dying out before any real threat occurred.

"On a night where we were the better team - especially in the second half - a result like this is a little disappointing," Silverbacks coach Gary Smith said. "San Antonio made the most of their chances, scoring the only goal they needed. We were the one's that couldn't find the net, despite creating some beautiful looks at goal. With all that being said, I was incredibly happy with the team's play in the buildup and in creating positive play."

Atlanta's first real attack came in the 14th minute as a perfectly placed lob pass from Dominic Oppong found Shaka Bangura's chest. Bangura turned and shot, only missing the far post by a couple of feet.

Five minutes later, Bangura had another opportunity. Some defense-weaving from Jon Okafor released fullback Paul Black along the left side of the pitch. Black slowed the play down to a stop before sending a cross into the box. Scorpions' goalkeeper Daryl Sattler was able to get on the end of Bangura's shot.

San Antonio's first dangerous attempt came in the 22nd minute as midfielder Billy Forbes danced his way around Kyle Miller and down the end-line before popping a cross over Steward Ceus' head. Captain Simon Mensing was perfectly placed to head the ball out of the 18-yard-box.

Omar Cummings, who played under Gary Smith with the Colorado Rapids, started the scoring in the 26th minute. An errant pass from Miller landed to Scorpions' midfielder Joseph Nane, who crossed the ball across the field to Forbes. Forbes lifted his head, slid in a cross, and Cummings was able to tap it in while sliding into the net.

Miller saved a goal in the 39th minute. A quick counter found the feet of Cesar Elizondo, who was streaking down the right hand side. Elizondo chipped Ceus and would have had a sure goal had Miller not made a last-ditch headed clearance off the line.

"That was just a broken play where San Antonio had our keeper 1-on-1," Miller said. "I knew once he was in on Steward that he was going to try to chip him. When I saw that, I just got to the goalline and was able to make the play to keep us in the match."

The Silverbacks started the second half quickly when they were awarded a free kick in the 46th minute. the ball bounced off a couple of different player's heads but ultimately did not go in. They were given another opportunity two minutes later when Okafor was fouled right outside of the box. The free kick from Black looped over the Scorpions' defense to Oppong who made an almost impossible shot, but was unlucky to not knick a goal.

The Silverbacks continued to press, though, including a flurry of shots from late substitute Hans Denissen. Headed attempts from Denissen and a shot from Okafor kept San Antonio goalkeeper Sattler on guard as he was forced to deal with the quick attack.

The Silverbacks were unable to get a goal, suffering their first loss at home in the process. The team can take solace in the fact that they were undoubtedly the better team in the second half. Denissen and Alex Harlley's substitutions were game changers as they consistently forced the team forward.

Over the course of the game, the Silverbacks proved themselves to be up to the challenge of taking on the 2014 NASL Soccer Bowl defending champions. But, a lack of luck and an outstanding performance from Sattler was just enough to secure three points for the visitors.

Game Points:

Omar Cummings played under Silverbacks Head Coach Gary Smith when Smith was coaching the Colorado Rapids

Hans Denissen was a member of the 2013 San Antonio Scorpions, where he won a spot on the NASL's Best XI

San Antonio forward Cesar Elizondo has scored 2 goals in the Scorpions' last four games against the Silverbacks

Atlanta has scored 42.9% of its' goals in the first 15 minutes of the second halves of it's games

Atlanta has yet to lose at Silverbacks Park

Saturday's match marked the 12th all-time meeting between the two clubs, with San Antonio winning the past four consecutive games

• Discuss this story on the North American Soccer League message board...

North American Soccer League Stories from June 6, 2015


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.

Other Recent Atlanta Silverbacks Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central