Silverbacks prepare for Mariners

Published on April 27, 2006 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


After spending last weekend on a stormy Caribbean island, the Atlanta Silverbacks Men will stay home this weekend in Atlanta as the team continues to prepare for the next match. The Silverbacks returned from a two-game road trip to Puerto Rico with a loss and a tie in the books for the first weekend of the USL First Division season.

Team captain Rodrigo Rios says he's confident the team is moving in the right direction, "We didn't do so well in the first half of the first game, but we came back and improved every half after that for the rest of the weekend. I'm very optimistic about our team and I think we're improving every day as we train with each other more and more, and get used to one another's playing styles."

Head Coach Jason Smith commented on the team's time off, "It's very beneficial to have this weekend to work on things without a match. The trip to Puerto Rico let us see some things we need to change and work on. Now, we have time to isolate some problems and correct them before our game against Virginia Beach."

Thunderstorms interrupted the first half of Friday night's game against the Puerto Rico Islanders, which eventually ended in a 3-0 lead for the Islanders at halftime. The Silverbacks turned it around in the second half, holding the Islanders scoreless and putting in a goal of their own. Liam George, a newcomer to Atlanta's team, put in the Silverbacks' lone goal off an assist from Fabian Dawkins in the 60th minute. Despite the second half surge, the game ended in 3-1 Silverbacks loss. Sunday's game wasn't marred by the rain delays from Friday, but the soggy field was a constant reminder of the weekend's inclement weather conditions. With a muddy pitch and a hunger for the win, the Silverbacks battled the Islanders and ended the game in 1-1 draw. The Silverbacks held the Islanders scoreless for another half and the game was 0-0 going into halftime. Puerto Rico scored first in the second half, taking the 1-0 lead. But the Silverbacks tied the game when George again scored the lone goal for the Silverbacks. This time he flicked the ball into the back of the net off a well-hit strike from Antonio De la Torre.

The Silverbacks do not have a regular season match this weekend, but will continue the 2006 season in Virginia on May 5 against the Virginia Beach Mariners. The Silverbacks home opener will be held on June 3 with fireworks following the opening of the new stadium. To reserve tickets call 1-866-GO-BACKS.

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USL First Division Stories from April 27, 2006


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