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Silverbacks Visit Major League Soccer's Colorado Rapids on Tuesday Night

June 23, 2014 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


Atlanta, Ga. (June 23, 2014) - The Atlanta Silverbacks will try to claim their second straight win against Major League Soccer (MLS) opposition on Tuesday, visiting the Colorado Rapids in a fifth-round Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup matchup at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colo. Kickoff is set for 9 p.m. ET (7 p.m. local time).

After concluding the NASL Spring Season campaign with a disappointing draw against league newcomers Indy Eleven, the Silverbacks welcomed Real Salt Lake, one of the top teams in MLS, to Atlanta Silverbacks Park on June 14. Not only were the Silverbacks able to knock off last year's MLS and Open Cup runner-up, they were clearly the better side on the way to a 2-1 win. The Silverbacks outshot Real Salt Lake 20-8 in the game, and created far more scoring opportunities as well. A late winner from midfielder Kwadwo Poku booked the Silverbacks their place in the next round.

The Rapids were equally as dominant in their fourth round game, putting a handful of goals past USL PRO leaders Orlando City SC in a 5-2 win at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. Jamaican forward Deshorn Brown posted a hat-trick in the win, helping the Rapids avenge last year's Cup loss to Orlando City.

Dick's Sporting Goods Park, located right outside of Denver, is regarded as one of the tougher places to play in the country. On this trip, the Silverbacks will have to acclimate to the altitude, which isn't easy. The Rapids have posted a 5-3-3 (W-L-T) home record in league play this season, claiming wins over the likes of the Los Angeles Galaxy, Houston Dynamo, Real Salt Lake, and Portland Timbers.

The hosts for Tuesday night's affair boast a roster featuring a good mix of young players and veterans. Head Coach Pablo Mastroeni's side is led in scoring by Brown and Uruguayan veteran Vicente Sanchez, who have each tallied five goals in MLS play. 23-year-old Dillon Powers has also been fantastic for the Rapids, leading the team in assists with four. The former Notre Dame standout also scored in the team's 5-2 win over Orlando City in the fourth round of the Cup.

The Silverbacks, led by technical director Eric Wynalda, will enter Tuesday night's game with confidence after outplaying Real Salt Lake in the previous round. Midfielder Junior Burgos, forward Jaime Chavez, and Poku all turned in standout performances against Real Salt Lake, looking dangerous in the attack throughout the entire game. Chavez is tied for the NASL league lead in goals scored with five - he has been somewhat of a revelation this year. Wynalda brought in the tall forward, who didn't previously have any professional experience, just before the team's season-opening game in New York.

The Rapids and Silverbacks have never faced each other before, but that doesn't mean there aren't a few familiar faces on Colorado's roster. There are two former Silverbacks players that currently play for the Rapids: goalkeeper Joe Nasco and defender Chris Klute. Nasco signed with the Rapids in the offseason after being named to the NASL Best XI in 2013, while Klute spent time with the Silverbacks in 2012 before signing on with the MLS club. Both Nasco and Klute were named to the bench for the Rapids' previous Cup game against Orlando City, but neither entered the game.

Tuesday night's winner will earn a spot in the Cup quarterfinals (round of eight), and U.S. Soccer is expected to announce the potential quarterfinals pairings at some point on Monday. The game in Colorado will be streamed live online via atlantasilverbacksfc.com, so all fans need to do is visit the website for free access to the live broadcast.

Silverbacks fall season ticket packages are now on sale, and they can be purchased by calling 404-969-4900 or visiting atlantasilverbacksfc.com.

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