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Silverbacks take on Romario and Miami FC in pre-playoff clash

August 17, 2006 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


The Atlanta Silverbacks sit in 6th place in the USL First Division standings with a strong chance to qualify for playoffs for the first time in four years. Atlanta's schedule includes seven more regular season games, and the Silverbacks will need to finish in the top six spots to qualify for post-season play. The remaining seven games require the Silverbacks to take on Miami FC three times in a row, a series that begins this Saturday at 7:30 pm at RE/MAX Greater Atlanta Stadium.

Atlanta and Miami (the newest team in the USL First Division) already met once this season when Miami won 1-0 after scoring in injury time. The Silverbacks will have to stop the second leading scorer in world soccer history, Brazilian star Romario. Romario and his Miami teammate Zinho both played for the Brazilian National Team that won the 1994 World Cup; Romario was named MVP of the tournament and the FIFA Player of the Year. He has netted 13 goals so far this season and is ranked second in the USL First Division for goals scored. In addition to stopping Romario, the Silverbacks will have to find a way to finish their opportunities and get some goals in the back of the net. The Silverbacks have a deep roster with numerous scoring threats that should be very useful at this stage of the season.

The Silverbacks, 8-8-5, will fight for the win and the subsequent three points to strengthen the team's chances for playoff contention. Miami FC, 7-9-5, does not currently hold a playoff spot, but with close rankings and tight schedules, one game can flip the table. The finish to the USL First Division regular season should be an exciting one, and a close race to get in the playoffs.

The Silverbacks have only three remaining home games in their inaugural season at RE/MAX Greater Atlanta Stadium. The 'Backs will host Miami this Saturday (8.19) and next Friday (8.25), and then finish out the home season against the Rochester Raging Rhinos on Saturday, September 2nd.

The first 500 fans through the gates at the "Colgate Palmolive Game Day" will receive the final pack of 2006 player cards allowing fans to collect the entire set. Tickets for Saturday night's game are available, however, after midnight Friday night remaining tickets will only be available through the online "print-at-home" option. Tickets will also be available at the stadium box office starting at 5:00 pm on Saturday. Please purchase your tickets early! Upper level parking opens at 5:30 pm and the stadium gates open at 6:00 pm. For more information call 1-866-GO-BACKS or visit www.atlantasilverbacks.com.



USL First Division Stories from August 17, 2006


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.

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