Silverbacks to Host MLS Side Real Salt Lake After 5-0 Win in Chattanooga

May 28, 2014 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


Chattanooga, Tenn. (May 28, 2014) - A Major League Soccer team is coming to Atlanta Silverbacks Park. The Atlanta Silverbacks routed NPSL side Chattanooga FC, 5-0, in the third round of the 2014 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday night, clinching a home matchup with MLS' Real Salt Lake at Atlanta Silverbacks Park on June 14.

Midfielder Junior Burgos stole the show in the first half, scoring a pair of stunning goals, while midfielders Junior Sandoval and forwards Jaime Chavez and Deon McCaulay also found the net in the blowout win.

Silverbacks Technical Director Eric Wynalda named a strong starting eleven following the team's 2-1 win over FC Edmonton in league play over the weekend. Goalkeeper Eric Ati and midfielder Junior Burgos represented the only changes in the lineup, replacing Derby Carrillo and Pablo Cruz respectively.

An energetic crowd at Finley Stadium created a great gameday atmosphere, and many of the fans in attendance traveled up from Atlanta to root on the Silverbacks. The visiting fans would be rewarded just 12 minutes into the game when McCaulay found a streaking Sandoval. The Honduran midfielder did well to collect the pass and rifle a low left-footed shot into the net for a 1-0 lead.

Five minutes after Sandoval's strike, Chattanooga FC goalkeeper Greg Hartley found himself picking the ball out of his net for a second time. Chavez earned a free kick less than a foot outside the penalty area, giving Burgos a mouthwatering look at goal from just over 18 yards out. The former Toronto FC man stepped up and curled a beauty into the net, putting the visiting Silverbacks up 2-0.

The run of play slowed down midway through the first half, and Chattanooga FC was able to generate a few half-chances. The opening half belonged to the Silverbacks, though, and Burgos bagged another goal just before halftime. In the 42nd minute, he launched a left-footed laser from nearly 30 yards out into the net, leaving Hartley with absolutely no chance. The goal made it 3-0 and gave the Silverbacks even more momentum going into the locker room at halftime.

Wynalda made one change for the second half, bringing on defender Abdul Bangura in place of Bobby Reiss. The Silverbacks picked up right where they left off, controlling the game and creating numerous chances "" mostly through Poku and McCaulay. The Belizean forward, McCaulay, seemed frustrated after missing a few early scoring chances, but in the 68th minute, his frustration would end. After receiving the ball at the top of the penalty area, he calmly fired a shot into the low corner for a 4-0 lead.

It was 5-0 four minutes later when Chavez got in the act. Burgos, who already had bagged two goals, dribbled to the end line and lobbed in a cross for Chavez to head home. Midfielder Borfor Carr, who had been sidelined with an injury since preseason made his season debut, coming on in place of Chavez in the 78th minute. Carr got a chance to open his account for the season from the penalty spot in the 90th minute, but Hartley was there to save his effort.

With the win, the Silverbacks clinched a fourth-round Cup matchup against Real Salt Lake, which will be played at Atlanta Silverbacks Park on Saturday, June 14. Kickoff will be at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the game will go on sale at atlantasilverbacksfc.com tonight at 10:30 p.m.



North American Soccer League Stories from May 28, 2014


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.

OurSports Central