Silverbacks Women Fall 3-1 To Charlotte

Published on June 3, 2011 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


The Atlanta Silverbacks Women suffered their first loss of the season Friday night, falling 3-1 to the Charlotte Lady Eagles at Atlanta Silverbacks Park.

Much like the last time the Silverbacks (2-1-0) and Lady Eagles (2-2-0) met, the road team went ahead early in the game. Charlotte midfielder Samantha Huecker gave the Lady Eagles a 1-0 lead with a header in the 15th minute, assisted by a well-placed free-kick from forward Ashleigh Gunning.

The Silverbacks Women controlled the first-half possession and were finally able to even the score, 1-1, in the 44th minute when forward Tiffani Turpin poked the ball home from one yard out. The goal, Turpin's third of the season, came after a header from midfielder Megan Tomlinson rattled the crossbar, leaving an easy rebound for Turbin to put into the back of the net.

In first half stoppage time, the Lady Eagles (2-2-0) nearly went back on top. Forward Christy Rife fired a shot off the post and saw her rebound attempt saved by Silverbacks goalkeeper Ashley Baker. The save from Baker left the two teams even as they entered the locker rooms.

Baker came to Atlanta's rescue early in the second half, again denying Rife from close range. The Silverbacks goalkeeper made consecutive saves in the 48th and 49th minutes, keeping Rife off the scoreboard and the 1-1 score intact.

Following a pair of close scoring opportunities for the Silverbacks, the visitors re-claimed the lead. Lady Eagles defender Blakley Mattern converted a corner kick from defender Hannah Gmerek in the 73rd minute, giving her team a 2-1 lead. The advantage was doubled four minutes later when Rife finally found the net from six yards out after a cross from defender Ashley Swinehart.

Despite a late push from the Silverbacks Women, the 3-1 score held up, giving the Lady Eagles an important victory away from home. The Silverbacks Women play their next game on June 17 when they face the Virginia Beach Piranhas on the road.

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North American Soccer League Stories from June 3, 2011


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