Silverbacks Fall Hard against Strikers

Published on October 19, 2013 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


Atlanta, Ga. (October 12, 2013) - The Atlanta Silverbacks suffered their worst loss of the season on Saturday night in Fort Lauderdale, dropping a 6-2 result to the Fort Lauderdale Strikers at Lockhart Stadium.

Silverbacks defender Mike Randolph simultaneously conceded a penalty kick and received a red card in the 52nd minute, reducing the visitors to 10 men. The Strikers would go on to take advantage of the situation, netting a staggering four second-half goals.

Silverbacks Head Coach Brian Haynes made two changes from the starting lineup that helped the team earn a 3-1 win over Minnesota United FC last Saturday. Goalkeeper Eric Ati and midfielder Pablo Cruz were drafted back into the starting lineup in place of Joe Nasco and Horace James respectively.

Looking to continue the momentum following their best attacking performance of the NASL Fall Season, the Silverbacks started brightly with forwards Pedro Mendes and Ruben Luna both testing Strikers goalkeeper Richard Sanchez inside the opening 17 minutes.

The Strikers started to pile on the pressure as the half wore on, and in the 20th minute, they would score the game's opening goal. Defender Ivan Guerrero sent in a perfect cross from the left flank, finding the head of forward Martin Nunez, who directed the ball off Ati's hands and into the net for a 1-0 lead.

The visiting Silverbacks responded well, however, equalizing in the 34th minute. The play started with midfielder Milton Blanco playing a curling ball over the top of the Strikers defense. Both Luna and defender Shane Moroney were through on goal, and it was the Mexican that ended up beating Sanchez, firing it into the bottom of the net to make it 1-1.

The game wouldn't stay tied very long, though. Strikers forward Yakiel Perez jumped high above the Silverbacks back line and deposited a header past an onrushing Ati to make it 2-1 in the 41st minute. The goal was again started on the left flank by Guerrero, who had a strong first half with a pair of assists.

The 2-1 halftime score wasn't by any means insurmountable for the Silverbacks, but that changed in the 52nd minute when Randolph received his marching orders. The veteran defender hauled down Paulo Jr. in the penalty area, earning himself a red card and sending the Strikers to the penalty spot. Midfielder Carlos Salazar expertly dispatched the penalty kick, giving his team a 3-1 lead in the 54th minute.

It would go from bad to worse for the Silverbacks, with the Strikers bagging another two goals in the 63rd and 68th minutes. First, Guerrero notched his third assist of the game, feeding Perez for his second goal of the game. Salazar then followed with his second of the night, poking the ball past a helpless Ati to make it 5-1.

After substitute forward Bradlee Baladez made it 6-1 in the 83rd minute, the Silverbacks finally found the net themselves. Mendes netted his eighth goal of the season, converting a penalty kick past Sanchez to make it 6-2 in the 86th minute.

Despite the consolation goal, it was a night to forget for the Silverbacks, who host the league's championship game, NASL Soccer Bowl 2013, in just three weeks on November 9 at Atlanta Silverbacks Park.

The Silverbacks now head on the road to visit the Carolina RailHawks, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. on Saturday, October 26. The game can be seen live online at NASL.com/live.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



North American Soccer League Stories from October 19, 2013


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.

OurSports Central