Silverbacks See Unbeaten Run Ended in Minnesota

May 9, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


BLAINE, Minn. - It was a night of firsts at NSC Stadium as Minnesota United edged the Atlanta Silverbacks, 1-0, in United's first victory of 2015 and Atlanta's first loss. A Miguel Ibarra-to-Pablo Campos connection in the 43rd minute was the only difference in the year's first meeting between the last two Spring Season champions.

"It's obviously not the result we came here wanting," Atlanta head coach Gary Smith said. "It was a match that saw both sides with chances, but the difference was that Minnesota put one away. At times we were the better side, but finishing was the difference."

Minnesota opened with the advantage on the ball, holding 52 percent of the possession, but Atlanta commandeered the match after entering Hans Denissen and Jaime Chavez in the middle of the second stanza. Ferrety Sousa also sparked the momentum after making his debut in the 83rd minute.

Atlanta's throughballs were just feet too heavy or light, never producing an equalizer after the Loons' goal at the death of the first half.

Ibarra, the USMNT winger, pressed toward the byline in the 43rd minute before sliding a cross toward the near post. Campos found it with a backheel, redirecting the shot inside the far post. It was Campos' second strike of the season.

The goal was the first allowed by Atlanta in 230 minutes, and the first allowed by two-time NASL Team of the Week goalkeeper Steward Ceus.

The Silverbacks return home to Atlanta Silverbacks Park on May 16 to host the Jacksonville Armada (7:30 p.m., ESPN3), presented by the Georgia State Soccer Association.



North American Soccer League Stories from May 9, 2015


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