ATLANTA BEATS HAMPTON IN HOME OPENER         
          The Atlanta Silverbacks Women gave fans quite a show for the team’s home opener tonight at RE/MAX Greater Atlanta Stadium. The Silverbacks beat the Hampton Roads Piranhas, 3-0, for their first game in Atlanta’s new home stadium in front of 1,872 fans. The Silverbacks lost to Hampton Roads just last week and it was clear the ‘backs wanted to even the series with a win.
        The Silverbacks’ executed tight, precise passing that allowed them to weave the ball in and out through the middle of the field. In the 16th minute the Silverbacks scored their first goal in their new home, sending fans to their feet. Defender Leslie Gaston brought the ball out of the back down the right flank and crossed it to the back post to an oncoming Nel Fettig. Fettig framed the goal and in text-book fashion headed it down and across the goal line. The Silverbacks kept the ball in Hampton’s half of the field by winning air balls, controlling the middle, and utilizing the outside. In the 35th minute, the Silverbacks added another goal, giving them a 2-0 lead. Melanie Schneider crossed the ball across the six-yard box to a diving Melissa Tancredi who got her head on it and sent the ball sailing past the Hampton Roads goalie, Jessica Hussey. The Silverbacks continued to pressure the Piranhas and had many dangerous chances in the final two minutes. The half ended with the Silverbacks ahead, 2-0.   
         The second half was a little more even-sided with chances for both sides. Despite the slower paced half, the Silverbacks continued to successfully use the outside flanks to keep control of the ball and create offensive chances. In the 53rd minute Gaston went down after a tough collision with a Hampton Roads forward, but remained in the game. Sharolta Nonen received a yellow card in the 63rd minute after a hard tackle outside the 18-yard box. The ensuing free kick was much like the Piranhas free kick last weekend, only this time, Melanie Wilson got to the ball and tipped it over the crossbar. Sarah Steinmann plagued the Hampton Roads’ defense the entire match and she was rewarded in the 82nd minute when she scored off an assist from Schneider. The Silverbacks had 19 shots on the game, but were able to finish three and win the home opener – final score Atlanta 3, Hampton Roads 0.  The fans in attendance were enthusiastic and supportive for the Silverbacks’ first game at their new home.  However, the half-full stands left a lot to be desired and the attendance was disappointing for the Silverbacks Women’s home opener. The Silverbacks improved their record to 3-2 on the season. The Silverbacks Women will take on the Richmond Kickers Destiny next Friday, June 16 at 7:30 pm. For ticket information call 1-866-GO-BACKS or visit www.atlantasilverbacks.com/wleague/tickets.php.  

Atlanta’s Starters: Sarah Steinmann; Melanie Schneider (Annette Filiatraut - 83); Melissa Tancredi; Nel Fettig; Nikki Lamb (Van Le – 76); Monica Buff; Leslie Gaston (Siobhan Rooney – 87); Julie Augustyniak; Christine Latham; Sharolta Nonen; Melanie Wilson.  
Cards: Nonen – Yellow (63); Le – Yellow (85)
Goals: Fettig – 16 (Gaston); Tancredi – 35 (Schneider); Steinmann - 62
 
Hampton Road’s Starters: Merci Akide (Kuhns – 86); Chichi Nweke (Moore – 45); Sally Palmer (Byrnes – 86); Laura Beeman (Dullum – 86); Ingrid Bohlin; Robin Chidester; Florence Omagbemi; Wendy Kotwas; Erin McGuire; Carrie Proost; Jessica Hussey.
Cards: Chidester – Yellow (36)
Goals: