SILVERBACKS MEN CHALLENGE CHARLESTON FOR SOUTHERN DERBY
The Atlanta Silverbacks Men will look to maintain their undefeated streak at home and take sole possession of the Southern Derby Cup with their match against the Charleston Battery Friday night at 7:30 pm at RE/MAX Greater Atlanta Stadium.
Atlanta is coming off a 1-0 win at Charleston last weekend, with a last-minute goal scored by Scott Buete. In addition to improving their record in the last five games to 3-1-1, the Silverbacks took first blood in the fight for the Southern Derby Cup. The Southern Derby Cup originally began with four teams, but was reduced to two when Raleigh and Charlotte dropped out of the USL First Division. Now, Charleston and Atlanta fight for the cup over a two-game home and away series, with the cup going to the team with the most points after those two matches. Atlanta has the advantage going into the final match with Charleston after their 1-0 win last week. Atlanta and Charleston have played two other times this season, with Atlanta taking one and the other ending in a draw.
Three Silverbacks were rewarded for their performances against Charleston. Defender Matt Bobo, midfielder Scott Buete, and goalkeeper Felipe Quintero all received USL First Division Team of the Week honors.
In addition to the Derby Cup race this Friday, the Silverbacks Men will face Minnesota Thunder on the 4th of July. For fans and families that attend, they will enjoy a free 2006 Media Guide and a fireworks show immediately following the game.
WOMEN CONTINUE PLAYOFF HUNT
The Atlanta Silverbacks Women face the Cocoa Expos Women on Saturday at 7:30 pm with the hopes of continuing their run up the standing. Last weekend, the Silverbacks trounced Central Florida 4-2 and beat the league-leading Charlotte Lady Eagles 2-1. These two wins brought them to third place in the division, and with six games remaining it appears to be another fight to the finish for the two coveted playoff spots.
Sarah Steinmann led the team, tallying a goal and an assist against Central Florida and two goals against the Lady Eagles. Her efforts earned her a spot on the W-League Team of the Week.
The match between Atlanta and the Expos will be the first-ever between the two teams. The Expos trail Atlanta by just two points in fourth place with a 4-3-1 record.
SILVERBACKS WILL TAKE ON WILMINGTON IN 2006 U.S. OPEN CUP
The Atlanta Silverbacks Men will face the Wilmington Hammerheads in their first U.S. Open Cup match for the 2006 season. The Hammerheads defeated the Charlotte Eagles 3-1 last night to advance into the third round of the annual tournament. The Silverbacks will travel to North Carolina on Wednesday, July 12, in the hopes of advancing to the next round of play.
“The Open Cup is always one of those side notes on the season. Our primary goal is to make playoffs, but advancing through to the next round of the Open Cup would be a good boost for the season. We didn’t have a strong showing last year and want to redeem ourselves this season,” commented head coach Jason Smith.
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