Silverbacks Travel for Clash of Unbeatens

Published on April 18, 2015 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


CARY, N.C. - Atlanta's first road test of the Spring Season brings the Silverbacks to Cary, N.C., to face the first-place Carolina RailHawks in a matchup of unbeaten teams at WakeMed Soccer Park.

Match Day 3 provides another chance for the Silverbacks (0-0-2, 2 points) to continue the development seen in preseason and the opening two weeks. They're still searching for the first win of the regular season, however, one that would also give head coach Gary Smith his first competitive victory at the Club.

"I think it will be a very good football match between two sides that really want to play," Smith said. "Two teams that certainly have individuals that are capable and creative, and two defenses that are more than capable of being stubborn and difficult to break down."

Match Day 3: Carolina RailHawks (1-1-0) vs. Atlanta Silverbacks (0-0-2)

WHEN: 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: WakeMed Soccer Park--Cary, N.C.

STREAM: ESPN3

What to watch for:

1. Different field, different game

WakeMed's grass field will present a contrasting playing surface from the turf at Silverbacks Park, with Smith and a few of the players mentioned the field as an important aspect of the match. More forgiving and even a few yards wider, the natural grass will be a change of pace for the Silverbacks, perhaps inducing a more attacking style of play with more space. Adjusting to the new surface and taking advantage of the opportunity to have that much more space will be key.

2. Nacho Novo vs. Silverbacks defenders

Carolina's veteran attacker is the only NASL player with two goals already in the young season. The former Rangers FC player has scored in both games and, along with midfielder Ty Shipalane, has been key to the RailHawks' attacking success. One thing the Atlanta center backs do have on him: Size.

Both Rauwshan McKenzie and Simon Mensing, the Silverbacks' physical central defenders, are at least 6-foot-1, compared to the 5-foot-9 Novo. If the Atlanta defenders are able to lock down the veteran striker, a third-consecutive game without conceding a goal from open play is very possible.

3. Finishing chances

The Silverbacks have come close to securing wins in both games, but they'll need to finish - both individual chances and the game as a whole - to walk away with three points in Cary. Atlanta's has the exact same number of shots on goal, seven, as the RailHawks, but Carolina has converted at a much higher percentage. Their four goals are good for joint-most in NASL. Atlanta did show positive signs during an attack-heavy conclusion against Ottawa - especially after Hans Denissen's substitute appearance - that suggest the chances may begin to fall.

Porter named to TOW

Another NASL Team of the Week nod came for the Silverbacks in the second week of the Spring Season: Winger Kyle Porter scored his first Silverbacks goal against Ottawa Fury FC and took home the weekly honors a week removed from captain Simon Mensing's appearance in the league-wide XI. Porter's goal, a careful finish that ended a clever passing move, was also nominated as a possible choice for Goal of the Week, but it lost out to Fort Lauderdale's Victor Giro.

Okafor profiled by NASL.com

Former New York Times editor Jack Bell profiled Jon Okafor this week on NASL.com. Okafor discusses his math background, why he chose the Ivy League and Brown, and even which Silverbacks defender helped the creation of #OkaShorts. It's a valuable read for any Silverbacks fan looking to learn more about the 25-year-old midfielder, who also reveals why he's not a huge fan of social media.

ELSEWHERE IN WEEK 3:

Saturday, April 18 (All times Eastern)

Ottawa Fury FC vs. Minnesota United FC - 3:00 p.m.

New York Cosmos vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies - 7:00 p.m.

San Antonio Scorpions vs. Indy Eleven - 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 19

FC Edmonton vs. Fort Lauderdale Strikers - 4:00 p.m.

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North American Soccer League Stories from April 18, 2015


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