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Silverbacks To Play Azzurri FC In U.S. Open Cup

May 31, 2007 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


The Atlanta Silverbacks begin first round action in the 2007 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on June 12 when the team hosts Azzurri FC, a men's amateur team from Dallas, Texas. Azzurri FC qualified for the nationwide tournament after winning their bracket at the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA) Region III Finals. Azzurri FC last made an appearance in the U.S. Open Cup in 2005 - they did not advance past the first round. Don't let the amateur status fool you... last year's U.S. Open Cup saw Dallas Roma FC (USASA) win three games, including a 1-0 win over Miami FC (USL-1) and a win in penalty kicks (after finishing in a scoreless draw) against Chivas USA of MLS.

The first round of the U.S. Open Cup includes 32 teams from the USL First Division, USL Second Division, USL Premier Development League and USASA. Winners from the first round will face off in the second round on June 26; if the Silverbacks advance they will take on the winner of Lynch's Irish Pub FC (USASA) vs. the Charlotte Eagles (USL-2). The third round will see second round winners facing off against eight MLS teams and the tournament will continue in a bracket format leading up to the finals on October 2.

The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, the U.S. Soccer Federation's National Championship, is an annual competition open to all amateur and professional soccer teams affiliated with U.S. Soccer. It is the oldest annual team tournament in U.S. sports history and among the oldest soccer tournaments of its type in the world.

Call 1-866-GO-BACKS to reserve your tickets today to see exciting U.S. Open Cup action.

RE/MAX GREATER ATLANTA STADIUM WELCOMES BACK ALL THREE SILVERBACKS' FRANCHISES - EACH SEEKING REVENGE AGAINST THEIR OPPONENT

After two weeks on the road, the Atlanta Silverbacks will return home to seek revenge against Miami FC on Saturday night at 7:55 pm at RE/MAX Greater Atlanta Stadium. The Silverbacks, 3-3-2, need a win to put them back towards the top of the table; the 'Backs currently sit in seventh place, but just three points separate them from the second place team. Miami, 3-5-0, will look to Brazilian star Zinho to create some offense for his team and get a point or three on the road. The Silverbacks will look to rebound from a 2-0 loss against Charleston; they will expand upon the excitement from the hometown crowd to try to even the series with Miami. The two teams met just two weeks ago when Miami beat the Atlanta 2-1 in a close match at the Orange Bowl. The first 500 fans through the gates will receive Silverbacks mini-soccer balls.

Since dropping their first game 3-0 against the Charlotte Lady Eagles, the Silverbacks Women have won two games on the road (outscoring their opponents 4-0). They will have another shot at the Lady Eagles Friday night when they host their rivals in Atlanta's home opener. The match will feature two of the W-League's top goal scorers, Atlanta's Sarah Steinmann and Charlotte's Kelly Schmedes who rank 5th and 2nd for goals scored, respectively. Charlotte, Atlanta, and Richmond always have a close race to make the playoffs, and although it's early in the season, tomorrow night's match will be very important for both teams and their post season hopes. The Silverbacks and the Lady Eagles kick-off at 7:55 pm at RE/MAX Greater Atlanta Stadium. The first 500 fans through the gates will receive Silverbacks schedule posters. The Silverbacks U23's will play in the first match of a double-header with the Silverbacks Women on Friday night. The U23's welcome the Carolina Dynamo to RE/MAX Greater Atlanta Stadium for a 5:15 pm kick-off. The U23's played an intense match with the Dynamo just last weekend in Greensboro, NC; the game ended in a 0-0 tie. Earning a point on the road is nice, but the tie meant the Silverbacks would not qualify for the 2007 U.S. Open Cup. The U23's will be looking to take the win and the three points from Carolina on Friday afternoon.

For ticket information to see any of the Silverbacks matches, call 1-866-GO-BACKS or visit www.atlantasilverbacks.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the stadium box office on game day.

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