Silverbacks Drop Rain-Shortened Game

Published on July 31, 2011 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


CARY, N.C. (July 30, 2011) - The Atlanta Silverbacks fell 1-0 to the league-leading Carolina RailHawks Saturday night at WakeMed Stadium in Cary, N.C. Three times, the game was suspended because of lightning; the match was ultimately abandoned after 50 minutes of play.

The RailHawks looked threatening from the outset, nearly taking the lead within the first minute of the game. Forward Nick Zimmerman flashed a shot just wide of the far post after just 20 seconds. The home team scored seven minutes later when Zimmerman fed an assist to NASL-leading scorer Etienne Barbara. The Maltese forward calmly chested the ball down and fired it past Silverbacks goalkeeper Felipe Quintero for a 1-0 lead.

After the game's first lightning delay, the Silverbacks came inches away from tying the score. A corner kick from midfielder Ciaran O'Brien was headed towards goal by defender Willie Hunt. Forward Matt Horth chested Hunt's header in the direction of the goal, but RailHawks goalkeeper Brad Knighton snatched the ball off the goal line to keep the game scoreless.

The teams endured a second lightning delay after 30 minutes of play. Quintero made a big save in the 39th minute, diving to his left to deny Zimmerman from close range.

Rain persisted through halftime, but the lighting held off enough to begin the second half. The teams played for just over five minutes before the referee deemed the weather to be too unsafe to continue the game. After another lengthy delay, it was determined that the lightning and the rain-drenched field would not allow the game to finish. The game was officially abandonded after 50 minutes of play and Barbara's lone goal stood as the game-winner.

The Silverbacks return home next Saturday, August 6 to host FC Tampa Bay at Atlanta Silverbacks Park. The Silverbacks are coming off a 2-1 win over FC Tampa Bay in their last home game on July 23. For tickets, visit atlantasilverbacks.com or call (404) 969-4900.

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North American Soccer League Stories from July 31, 2011


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