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Silverbacks Fall to Cosmos 3-0

October 7, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


ATLANTA - The Atlanta Silverbacks (7-10-10, 31 points Combined Table) hosted the New York Cosmos (12-11-4, 47 points) at Atlanta Silverback Park in a rematch of Sunday's draw in New York. With both sides playing for postseason positioning, it was the Cosmos that left with three points via the, 3-0, victory with goals by Sebastian Guenzatti, Gaston Cellarino and Leonardo Fernandes.

"It was certainly a night and occasion where we had to be positive," Silverbacks coach Gary Smith said. "We've played the Cosmos three times now - including just days ago - so we knew the quality of the side we were facing. In those three games, we've given a really good account of ourselves, but this match was all about trying to get a victory. We just ran into a better side."

Early in the game, both teams delivered stout defensive efforts and combative counter attacks, refusing to let each other get comfortable with the ball. Early attempts were either saved or deflected by the goalkeepers on both sides of the pitch.

Atlanta's Steward Ceus, had multiple reflex saves, but the Cosmos found their sweet spot just before the half. Guenzatti delivered a blast into the lower corner.

The Cosmos continued pressing with a flurry of wild shots, ceding possession to the Silverbacks, who worked quick counter attacks.

When they did have the ball, the Silverbacks put up a fight, forcing New York's Jimmy Maurer into action. Paulo Mendes and Junior Burgos both unleashed shots on the Silverbacks' behalf.

Maurer came up with stops, despite the Silverbacks well-placed attacks.

In the second half, the Cosmos connected again, this time by catching Ceus off his line after an initial save. Cellarino's goal doubled the visitors' advantage.

Pressing for the comeback, Atlanta delivered a corner to Rauwshan McKenzie, but an acrobatic Maurer save kept the Silverbacks at bay.

With just minutes left, New York iced the match with Fernandes' strike, forcing the Silverbacks into an uphill challenge for the fourth and final berth in the NASL Championship -- a four-team postseason tournament.

The Silverbacks next host the Tampa Bay Rowdies at Atlanta Silverbacks Park on Oct. 17 (7:30 p.m.).

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