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Silverbacks Visit RailHawks for Friday Fixture

September 3, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


CARY, N.C. - The Atlanta Silverbacks (6-8-7, 26 points Combined Table) head to WakeMed Soccer Park this Friday to take on a struggling Carolina RailHawks (5-7-8, 22 points).

On Saturday, the Silverbacks earned a much-needed three points with their 1-0 win over FC Edmonton, keeping themselves in the playoff hunt. Junior Burgos' game-winning free kick lifted Atlanta to 26 points through the 2015 NASL Season.

The Silverbacks are now tied for third in the Fall Standings and sixth in the Combined, giving them only a three-point gap between them and a playoff position. Atlanta's next four games will be pivotal matches before the club begins the toughest portion of its schedule. Two games against the ninth-place RailHawks in the next three weeks could be a very necessary six points.

While the Silverbacks can still scrape their way into a playoff position, the RailHawks will have a more difficult time with the same task. Carolina is currently riding a three-game losing streak. To make matters worse, the club has given up three goals in each of those three losses. The RailHawks' last win came on July 18 to the 11th placed San Antonio Scorpions.

Silverbacks' head coach Gary Smith has to be looking forward to this weekend's trip. Last time Atlanta took a trip to WakeMed Soccer Park, they secured their, and Smith's, first win of the 2015 season with goals from Shaka Bangura and Jonathan Okafor.

The RailHawks are led by Spanish forward Nacho Novo, who has snagged seven goals so far this season. Carolina has another playmaker in Tiyi Shipalane. Shipalane has done his fair share for the RailHawks, notching four goals and seven assists.

After its win over Edmonton, Atlanta will head to North Carolina with added depth and reassurance with the return of team captain Simon Mensing. Abdul Bangura received the starting nod against the Eddies, but the defensive stalwart that is Mensing is sure to find his way back into the starting lineup.

One Carolina player who won't be making an appearance against Atlanta is defender Daniel Scott after he received a red card in the team's 3-2 loss to the New York Cosmos.

The Silverbacks ended one streak in their last match - the Eddies were undefeated on the road - but will hope to continue one against Carolina before heading back to the fortress of Atlanta Silverbacks Park.

Atlanta will face off against the RailHawks on September 4th (7:30 p.m., ESPN3).

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