Sports stats



Silverbacks Earn Historic Win over MLS Side Real Salt Lake

June 14, 2014 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


Atlanta, GA - It was an historic night at Atlanta Silverbacks Park, as Georgia's only professional soccer team, the Atlanta Silverbacks, knocked off Major League Soccer (MLS) giants Real Salt Lake, 2-1, in the fourth round of the 2014 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in front of a sellout crowd of 5,000 fans on Saturday night.

A stoppage-time goal from Ghanaian midfielder Kwadwo Poku gave the Silverbacks a well-deserved win after outplaying their MLS opposition all night long. Fellow midfielder Junior Burgos scored a spectacular goal in the first half after Real Salt Lake opened the scoring early on through forward Robbie Findley.

The game was a massive occasion for the Silverbacks, who have never hosted a MLS team at Atlanta Silverbacks Park. Silverbacks Technical Director Eric Wyanlda named a strong side filled with plenty of dynamic players, including forward Jaime Chavez, who tallied two goals one week ago in a 3-3 draw against Indy Eleven.

Just as they did in last year's Cup game against Real Salt Lake, the Silverbacks stumbled out of the gate. Wynalda's side looked timid in the opening minutes, and there was no bigger example of that than goalkeeper Derby Carrillo's gaffe in the 10^th minute. Real Salt Lake midfielder Luke Mulholland, formerly of the Tampa Bay Rowdies, played a ball over the top of the defense and Carrillo charged forward to clear it. The Salvadoran keeper missed the ball completely, though, gifting Findley, who played in the 2010 FIFA World Cup for the U.S., an early goal for the visitors.

The Silverbacks settled down as the first half wore on, and it looked as if they found an equalizer in the 23^rd minute. Defender Mike Randolph found the head of Chavez, who powered the ball home from six yards out, but the assistant referee had his flag up for offside.

The equalizer would come 10 minutes later, however, and it couldn't have come in a better fashion. Burgos started a brilliant passing sequence that he would eventually finish off, beating Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Jeff Attinella to tie the game at 1-1. Poku got the assist, setting up possibly one of the best goals the Silverbacks have scored all year.

Throughout the evening, Chavez tested Attinella several times, and one of the best saves from the former Rowdies goalkeeper came in the 40^th minute. Chavez's header looked destined for the corner, but Attinella was up to the task. The visitors were lucky to avoid heading into the locker room down a goal.

After the break, it continued to be all Silverbacks, and again it was Chavez in the middle of it. In the 60^th minute, the Los Angeles native met his nemesis, Attinella, once more. Chavez's point-blank header was someone palmed just over the crossbar in acrobatic fashion, keeping the game deadlocked at 1-1.

It was substitute midfielder Alex Harlley that was next to nearly put the Silverbacks ahead, and this time it wasn't Attinella coming to the rescue. The Togo native's 73^rd-minute header was goalbound, but Real Salt Lake midfielder John Stertzer was there to head the ball off the line.

The visitors just lacked the punch that they normally have. One of Major League Soccer's top teams, Real Salt Lake looked tired and had trouble finding a way through the Silverbacks back line. The sentiment around the stadium was that the Silverbacks were deserving of a win, but the goal just wasn't coming - that is until second-half stoppage time.

Poku received a lay-off from Chavez and fired a low right-footed shot beyond the diving arms of Attinella, earning the Silverbacks a dramatic 2-1 win and booking the team its place in the fifth round of the Cup.

Wynalda's club now awaits the winner of the Colorado Rapids (MLS) - Orlando City SC (USL Pro) matchup, which is set to be played this Tuesday at Dick Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colo. Regardless of the result, the Silverbacks will have to travel to either Denver or Orlando.

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

North American Soccer League Stories from June 14, 2014


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