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Silverbacks Share Points with Indy in Opener

April 4, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


ATLANTA--Indy Eleven substitute Don Smart equalized on a penalty kick late in stoppage time and canceled the Atlanta Silverbacks' lead, forcing the clubs to settle for a draw in the 2015 NASL Spring Season opener.

"You know, it's something I think both coaches would admit, but that result -- as heartbreaking as it was -- was probably a fair one," Silverbacks coach Gary Smith said. "Two months ago when this groop was first coming together, I'd have given anything for a point in our first match."

Atlanta right back Kyle Miller was called for a foul on Indy's Jaime Frias in the area during the four minutes of second-half stoppage time. Smart scored the spot kick past Silverbacks rookie goalkeeper C.J. Cochran, who was making his NASL debut in place of the injured Steward Ceus.

Smith's first competitive match with the Silverbacks results in a single point for the hosts in the lowest scoring match between the clubs since Indy began NASL play last season. Before Saturday night, the clubs had combined for 15 goals in the three previous meetings.

On his own NASL managerial debut, Smith's starting lineup featured nine players making their first competitive appearance for the Silverbacks. Bangura and Horth, who was Atlanta's first-ever NASL goal-scorer, were the only two familiar.

Bangura opened the scoring two minutes into the second half when he pounced on a bouncing ball in the frenzied Indy penalty area. Bangura finished past Indy goalkeeper Kristian Nicht to give the Silverbacks a 1-0 goal and what appeared--for 45 minutes, at least--to be an opening weekend victory.

"All of our attackers did a fantastic job creating chances," Smith said. "Shaka's goal was special and he deserved it with the shift he put in. We have the players to be able to score, now its a matter of finishing."

Cochran's two left-handed saves against Indy midfielder Dylan Mares looked to be enough to carry the rookie to a clean sheet against the four shots on target he faced, but referee Mark Geiger blew the whistle at the death, forcing the Georgia State alumnus to face his first professional penalty kick.

Smart played just over 20 minutes for the Eleven in the opener, but his contribution from the spot, sending Cochran diving the wrong way to salvage a point for Indy.

The Silverbacks will continue the Spring Season next Saturday against Ottawa Fury FC at Silverbacks Park (7:30 p.m., ESPN3).



North American Soccer League Stories from April 4, 2015


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