Sizzling Silverbacks Visit RailHawks for Friday Fixture

September 4, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


Atlanta Silverbacks (6-8-7, 26 points)

at Carolina RailHawks (5-7-8, 22 points)

When: 7:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 4

Where: WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary, N.C.

Stream: ESPN3 with a valid subscription

Twitter updates: @SilverbacksLive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qr7aqKxQP3Y

Previously in 2015 | April 18:

Silverbacks 2, RailHawks 1 |

In Atlanta's first NASL away game of 2015, forward Shaka Bangura and midfielder Jon Okafor hit the target in the second half for the Silverbacks to secure three points at WakeMed Soccer Park and remain unbeaten. CJ Cochran , expected to start Friday night in the absence of Haitian international Steward Ceus , played in goal for the Silverbacks, earning his first career win.

Pregame Reading * Preview | The Silverbacks visit the RailHawks for a Friday night fixture. * Positional Analysis | Silverbacks Insider Corey Langley breaks down the relevant battles across the field for Friday night's game. * Burgos giving Silverbacks reason to believe | Junior Burgos , who scored his third goal of the Fall Season in Week 9, spoke with NASL.com's Jack Bell about his journey back to Atlanta, his wishes for the rest of the year and even what inspires his trademark goal celebrations.

What to watch:

1. Center back Simon Mensing returns to the pitch. Head coach Gary Smith had to shuffle his defenders against FC Edmonton last week in light of Mensing's suspension, moving Rauwshan McKenzie to the middle of a back three and positioning Paul Black on the right side of defense. On the strength of the Club's fifth clean sheet in league play, Atlanta's defenders further proved their versatility in shutting down Tomi Ameobi, Lance Laing and the rest of a talented Eddies attacking corps. Now, with Mensing available for selection Friday night against the RailHawks, Smith will plenty of options while choosing his defensive setup.

2. Goalkeeper C.J. Cochran steps back between the posts. Goalkeeper C.J. Cochran has seen plenty of action during his rookie year, filling in for Steward Ceus in spots where the Haitian international was with on international duty with Les Grenadiers or battling a leg injury early in the Spring Season. While Ceus and the Haitian side prepare for a home-and-away World Cup qualifying series against Grenada, Cochran will return to the lineup Friday night at WakeMed. Ceus is only expected to miss one NASL game on international leave, but Cochran will slot into the lineup in a stadium he's already tallied a win.

3. RailHawks try to correct recent slide. Carolina has lost four straight in league play and given up at least three goals in each of the defeats, so the RailHawks are still searching for a light at the end of the tunnel to stop the recent downturn. Carolina still boasts talented players like Tiyi Shipalane and only sits four points behind the Silverbacks in the combined table, but the absence of defenders Futty Danso (international duty) and Daniel Scott (red card suspension) will leave Colin Clarke's side a little thin heading into Friday's matchup.

Weekly Headlines

Silverbacks to participate in Superhero Classic, benefit Childhood Cancer

During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the entire Atlanta Silverbacks organization - each of the professional players, the coaching staff, and the Club's front office - will participate in the 15th annual Suwanee Fest Superhero 5K/10K Classic to benefit CURE Childhood Cancer , a non-profit research organization based in the metro Atlanta area. Hosted by Georgia Fitness on the morning of Sept. 12 at the Suwanee Town Center, proceeds from the Superhero Classic will help CURE continue to provide research, counseling, meals and financial assistance for those battling childhood cancer.

For more details, visit AtlantaSilverbacksFC.com .

Burgos, McKenzie earn NASL's Team of the Week

Junior Burgos' match-winning free kick and a clean sheet, captained by Rauwshan McKenzie, earned the Silverbacks a win during Week 9. For their successful efforts, the standout pair of Burgos and McKenzie each found a spot in the league's weekly Best XI . Week 9's selection gave Burgos, who also nominated for Play of the Week for his curling strike, his first Team of the Week mention of the year. McKenzie previously earned the honor in the Spring Season for the Silverbacks' last visit to Carolina.

Switchbacks FC loan extended for Chris Christian

The Silverbacks and the Colorado Springs Switchbacks announced Tuesday that defender Chris Christian's loan-originally set to last one month-will extend until the conclusion of the USL side's season. Christian has started four times for Switchbacks FC, which currently sits in a playoff position in the USL's Western Conference.

Around the League

Saturday, Sept. 5

Indy Eleven vs. Jacksonville Armada FC

7:30 ET | ESPN3

Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. New York Cosmos

7:30 ET | ESPN3

San Antonio Scorpions vs. Ottawa Fury FC

8:30 ET | ESPN3

Sunday Sept. 6

FC Edmonton vs. Minnesota United FC

4 ET | ESPN3



North American Soccer League Stories from September 4, 2015


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