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Silverbacks suffer second loss of the season

May 12, 2012 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


ATLANTA, Ga. - In front of a crowd of 4,743 a shorthanded Silverbacks (0-4-2) team were unable to pick up their first win of the season. The game totaled 33 fouls with 25 of those going against the Silverbacks. The Silverbacks had difficulty ever getting into the flow while FC Edmonton (2-1-2) controlled possession through a majority of the match and picked up their second win of the season.

The action got started early in the tenth minute for the Silverbacks, when Danilo Turcios played a dangerous ball into the box that found Reinaldo Navia's head, but the header was handled by Edmonton goalkeeper John Smits. The play was quickly followed in the tenth minute by a yellow card shown to FC Edmonton's Kevin Hatchi.

Four minutes later, FC Edmonton opened up the scoring with some quick passing in dangerous territory as Ilja Van Leerdam played a precise pass to a streaking Michael Cox who put his shot far post past a fully stretched Daniel Illyes.

In the 18th minute, Turicos picked up the Silverbacks first yellow card of the night as he waited to take the kick on a set piece. Navia picked up his third yellow card of the season in the 26th minute after challenging the Edmonton defense for a header. Neither team was able to create any dangerous chances for the remainder of the half as the Silverbacks headed to the locker room down 0-1.

The Silverbacks came out strong in the second half, sending more men forward from the first whistle. Just a minute in, Martyn Lancaster found himself open in the box but sent his shot just over the cross bar. Then in the 51st minute, David Santamaria put a header on goal that was punched off the line by a diving Smits.

Six minutes later, Turcios received a no look pass from Navia but couldn't finish the one-on-one chance as Smits was able to smother the opportunity. Moments later Shane Moroney picked up a straight red card by the referee for a slide tackle near midfield.

In the 67th minute Matt Horth was subbed in for his second appearance this season and instantly made his presence felt. In a span of two minutes Horth was able to use his height and fired off two great headers but neither were able to find their mark.

Down a man, the team stood strong in defense and continued to put the pressure on FC Edmonton. Turcios and Navia picked up their play and connected well, but were unable to even the score.

As FC Edmonton's man advantage allowed them to slow the pace, they were able to secure their victory with an 88th minute goal. Freshly subbed-in Paul Craig, headed a ball to a streaking Ilja Van Leerdam, who finished his one-on-one chance.

The Silverbacks will try to bounce back with two matches in the coming week. On Wednesday the team will play against the league leading Puerto Rico Islanders and then return home to take on the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday. Tickets can be purchased at atlantasilverbacks.com and both matches can be watched at atlantasilverbacks.com/live.



North American Soccer League Stories from May 12, 2012


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