Silverbacks Looking to Snap RailHawks' 18-Game Home Unbeaten Streak

May 16, 2014 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


Not often would the sixth game of the season be described as a "must win," but that's exactly the case for teams like the Atlanta Silverbacks and Carolina RailHawks, who sit in the middle of the NASL standings with only four games left to play in the FIFA World Cup-shortened spring season. The two teams meet in a big game this Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, N.C.

After dropping last week's road game to the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, who are now in first place in the league standings, the Atlanta Silverbacks (2-0-3) find themselves in seventh place and in dire need of three points this Saturday in Cary. The Silverbacks' opponents, the RailHawks (2-1-2), are in relatively the same position, only one point better. Head Coach Colin Clarke's side is in fifth place - a position they will expect to improve on this weekend as they look to extend their home unbeaten streak to 19 games.

It has been a two-faced season for both the Silverbacks and RailHawks. Each side has won two games, but they have also lost a few games...badly. The Silverbacks have a pair of 4-0 road losses on their spring season resume, while the RailHawks have been outscored 8-1 in three road games. Saturday night's matchup at WakeMed Soccer Park will be a battle between two teams looking to lick their wounds and bounce back from bad road losses last weekend. The Silverbacks enter Saturday's game on the heels of a 4-0 loss to the Strikers, while the RailHawks come in following a 3-0 loss to the San Antonio Scorpions.

"We've played very well at times this season, but we've also experienced our fair share of adversity," said Silverbacks Technical Director Eric Wynalda. "Now, looking ahead to our trip in Carolina, this is one heck of a fixture to try and turn it around in."

If there is one thing the RailHawks can hang their collective hat on, it's their impeccable home record. For whatever reason, WakeMed Soccer Park has been a remarkable safe haven for the Men in Orange. The RailHawks enter Saturday's game on an 18-game home unbeaten streak - an unprecedented example of NASL home field advantage.

"It's always very difficult to pick up points in Carolina - it's a very tough task. I've known Colin Clarke for a long time, and I'm anticipating a fantastic challenge because both teams are coming off games that they need to bounce back from," Wynalda said. "If either one of us has aspirations to win the Spring Season, then this is an absolute must-win."

Along with just about every other team in the league, the Silverbacks have had trouble getting results at WakeMed Soccer Park...to put it mildly. Since joining the NASL in 2011, the Silverbacks have managed just two points in six visits to Cary. They were just minutes away from getting a 1-0 road win against the RailHawks last year, but a late equalizer spoiled the result.

Usually a team known for staying consistent in terms of personnel, the RailHawks changed things up this offseason - at least more than they normally would. The likes of Austin Da Luz, Paul Hamilton, Julius James, Brian Ackley, Jordan Graye, Breiner Ortiz, and Brian Shriver have moved on from the club since last season. Clarke's side still features familiar faces like Kupono Low, Ty Shipalane, Zack Schilawski, and Enzo Martinez, but it's safe to say this season has represented a bit of a "changing of the guard" in Carolina.

The same goes for the Silverbacks, who will field a much different team than they did the last time they were in Carolina. Midfielder Junior Sandoval and forwards Jaime Chavez and Deon McCaulay each boast two goals so far this season, while midfielder Blair Gavin is tied for the league lead in assists with three. The Silverbacks have not struggled to create chances this season - the real question has been which back line will show up for Wynalda's side. The defensive unit looked to be much improved following wins over the Tampa Bay Rowdies and Ottawa Fury FC, but last week's four-goal loss in Fort Lauderdale may have proved otherwise.

The back line will have to deal with the pacey Shipalane, who scored the RailHawks' winner against the New York Cosmos a few weeks ago, and April's NASL Player of the Month Zack Schilawski, who bagged three goals in his first two games this season.

The RailHawks and Silverbacks played four times last season, with each team posting one win, one loss, and two draws against the other. The most recent matchup came late last season at WakeMed Soccer Park - a 4-0 win for the RailHawks.

Wynalda will not be on the bench for Saturday's game against the RailHawks due to TV commitments related to the FA Cup Final.

"We always knew that this type of conflict was a possibility, and unfortunately Eric's commitments with FOX Sports 1 will keep him from being in Carolina this weekend," said Silverbacks President & General Manager Andy Smith. "Eric has a number of trusted assistants under his direction, and we're more than confident that they will implement his system and coach the team to a positive result against the RailHawks."

The game will kick off at 7:30 p.m., and fans can watch the game live online at NASLLive.com. The Silverbacks will host a viewing party, as always, at the Elder Tree Public House in East Atlanta for those that want to watch the game with other fans.



North American Soccer League Stories from May 16, 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.

OurSports Central