Atlanta Silverbacks

ATLANTA HEADS NORTH FOR FIRST OPEN CUP MATCH
The Atlanta Silverbacks Men will take on the Wilmington Hammerheads tonight at 7:30 pm in the third round of the 2006 U.S. Open Cup, the oldest cup competition in U.S. soccer history. The Silverbacks will travel to Wilmington, North Carolina to take on the USL Second Division side in a rematch of a third round game from the 2003 U.S. Open Cup (Wilmington 2 – Atlanta 1). Last year, Atlanta entered the tournament in the third round and lost to the Des Moines Menace. The Silverbacks will be without starting defender David Hayes and head coach Jason Smith; both received red cards in last year’s match against Des Moines and cannot participate in tonight’s game. The winner of tonight’s match will host the New York Red Bull of the MLS on August 2 in the fourth round of this year’s Open Cup.
The nationwide tournament lasts from June until September and includes teams from the U.S. Adult Soccer Association, the USL PDL, the USL Second Division, the USL First Division, and the MLS. Check the website for the latest news on the Silverbacks' campaign in the 2006 U.S. Open Cup.

SILVERBACKS MEN HOST TIMBERS ON SATURDAY
          On Saturday night, the Silverbacks Men will return home to face the Portland Timbers for the first time this season with the hopes of continuing their current unbeaten streak. Since June 3, Atlanta has compiled a 6-1-1 record, including four consecutive wins. In addition, the Silverbacks are 5-0-1 at home. The streak has lifted them from tenth place in the USL First Division standings to fifth place with 21 points from 13 games.
          Portland sits in ninth place with 20 points from 16 games. Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar leads the Timbers with nine points on the season from two goals and five assists. Alcaraz-Cuellar’s five assists top the USL First Division. Atlanta continues their home stand after handing the Virginia Beach Mariners a 1-0 loss last Saturday night. Rodrigo Rios scored the only goal of the match, off a Josh Smith assist.
          Three Silverbacks made the USL First Division Team of the Week this past week. Midfielder Josh Smith and defender Matt Bobo both made the team for their efforts against Virginia Beach. Forward Machel Millwood also made the team for his two goals against the Minnesota Thunder on Tuesday night.
          Tickets for this Saturday’s game are available, however, after midnight on Friday night remaining tickets will only be available through the online “print-at-home” option. Tickets will also be available at the stadium box office starting at 5:00 pm on Saturday. Please purchase your tickets early! Upper level parking opens at 5:30 pm and the stadium gates open at 6:00 pm. For more information call 1-866-GO-BACKS or visit www.atlantasilverbacks.com.

SILVERBACKS WOMEN PLAY LAST TWO HOME GAMES
          The Atlanta Silverbacks Women take on the Bradenton Athletics at home tomorrow night at 7:30 pm and finish their season Friday night against the Carolina Dynamo Women at 7:30 pm. Atlanta lost to Bradenton last weekend 3-1 and defeated Carolina earlier this season 4-0. Melissa Tancredi, Christine Latham, and Nel Fettig scored in the match against Carolina, with Fettig adding three assists.
           Last season, the Silverbacks went 1-1 against Bradenton. In addition, they hold a 2-0-1 all-time record against Carolina, scoring 10 goals against the Dynamo along the way.
          Tickets to see the Silverbacks’ final two home matches of the 2006 regular season are available, however, after midnight the night before the match remaining tickets will only be available through the online “print-at-home” option. Tickets will also be available at the stadium box office starting at 5:00 pm on the day of the game. Please purchase your tickets early! Upper level parking opens at 5:30 pm and the stadium gates open at 6:00 pm. For more information call 1-866-GO-BACKS or visit www.atlantasilverbacks.com.