Silverbacks Fall 1-0 To FC Edmonton

Published on April 16, 2011 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


The Silverbacks turned in another strong performance at home in front of a crowd of 3,161, but failed to score in a 1-0 loss to FC Edmonton on Saturday night.

On Japan Relief Night at Atlanta Silverbacks Park, it didn't take long for FC Edmonton to threaten the Silverbacks goal. In the 11th minute, forward Conrad Smith sent in a low cross that was parried by Silverbacks goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer, but the ball was only cleared as far as FC Edmonton's Alex Surprenant. The defender then launched a drive from more than 35 yards out that sailed over Maurer's head and into the goal to give Edmonton a 1-0 lead.

Later in the first half, a cross by Silverbacks defender Mario Pérez found the head of forward Junior Sandoval, but his close-range effort was saved by FC Edmonton goalkeeper Rein Baart. Just before halftime, Edmonton could have doubled its lead, but Maurer denied Kyle Yamada from 10 yards away. The two teams went into the locker room two minutes later after a very competitive first half with very little difference in time of possession.

The Silverbacks opened the second half strongly, with Baart having to punch away a dangerous cross by Sandoval. In the 56th minute, Sandoval was played through by Fernando Gonzalez, but saw his angled effort from 18 yards fall just wide of the visitors' goal. Three minutes later, the Silverbacks nearly evened the game, but Pérez's curving free kick hit the crossbar and went out of play. The game quickly shifted, and a shot from Smith barely inched wide of Maurer's goal.

The visitors continued to pressure the Silverbacks in the 71st minute, but Maurer was there to stop them again. Edmonton Midfielder Shaun Saiko put a low, hard shot toward goal, but the Silverbacks goalkeeper parried it wide for a corner kick. After a flurry of Silverbacks offensive chances, the game took an interesting turn when Silverbacks substitute Jon Cox was sent off by referee Patrick Baker for a late challenge. The red card didn't stop the Silverbacks from pushing forward, though. The team created several late chances, keeping the fans on the edge of their seats, but they couldn't find the net in the end.

The Silverbacks play at home again next weekend, hosting the Fort Lauderdale Strikers at 7:30 p.m. For tickets, visit atlantasilverbacks.com or call (404) 969-4900.

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North American Soccer League Stories from April 16, 2011


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