Tuesday July 4, 2006

          The Atlanta Silverbacks’ fans may have been denied post-game Fourth of July fireworks due to inclement weather, but the Silverbacks gave their fans more than enough entertainment on the field with a 2-0 victory over the Minnesota Thunder. Machel Millwood secured the win by scoring both the Silverbacks' goals. 
          Atlanta had several chances in the first half and was unlucky not to come away with an early goal after having two great opportunities in the first ten minutes. In the 4th minute, Scott Buete deflected a Thunder pass into the path of Jason McLaughlin. McLaughlin carried the ball to the top of the box and sent a shot just over the cross bar. Atlanta produced again in the 6th minute - after some great buildup from Buete and McLaughlin, the ball ended up to Rodrigo Rios inside the box. Rios played the ball back to Liam George who hit his shot over the crossbar as well. The teams went into halftime tied 0-0.
         As a severe summer storm loomed overhead, the Silverbacks’ offense brewed on the field and the Silverbacks brought their own thunder in the second half. Millwood subbed into the game in the 56th minute and went to work on the Minnesota defense right away. Seven minutes after entering the game Millwood put the Silverbacks on the board when he received a ball from Tony McManus and then proceeded to beat his defender down the sideline and rip a shot past Minnesota’s keeper, Nic Platter. Millwood’s goal started a push for the Silverbacks and they dominated the game for the remainder of the half. Millwood struck again in the 83rd minute – this time, Buete brought the ball to the end line and pulled it back to Millwood who again drove it into the back of the net. The game ended minutes later with the Silverbacks winning 2-0.
        Unfortunately for fans, the rain began before the festive fireworks show could begin. However, the Silverbacks have rescheduled the fireworks show to July 15th when the Silverbacks take on the Portland Timbers.  Any fan that brings a ticket from tonight’s game will be able to purchase a ticket to the July 15th game for 50% off in a ticket-for-ticket promotion. To get this discount, fans can bring their tickets to the Silverbacks’ office or box office to purchase the new ticket to the July 15th game. The Silverbacks have rescheduled the fireworks night to coincide with “Bobblehead” night – where the first 500 fans will receive a 2006 Silverbacks bobblehead. 
         The Silverbacks Men will take on the Virginia Beach Mariners this Saturday July 8 at 7:30 pm at RE/MAX Greater Atlanta Stadium. The Silverbacks and the Mariners met early in the season on May 5 in Virginia with the Silverbacks losing 1-0. Saturday’s match will be a chance for the Silverbacks to take some revenge on Virginia Beach while remaining undefeated at home. For ticket information call 1-866-GO-BACKS.