Atlanta Silverbacks

SILVERBACKS MEN CUT DOWN TIMBERS 4-0
          The Atlanta Silverbacks shutout the Portland Timbers Saturday night with 4-0 win at RE/MAX Greater Atlanta Stadium. The Silverbacks improved their record to 7-4-3 and remain undefeated at home. Machel Millwood had an assist and a goal in the game. It was a great night for fans – they got Rodrigo Rios bobbleheads, got to see four great goals, and got to watch an amazing fireworks show after the game.
          The Silverbacks and the Timbers wasted no time getting the game underway and the high intensity of the match was quite clear, even in the first minutes. Atlanta took the lead in the 23rd minute when Machel Millwood and Warren Ukah took on the Timbers’ defense. Play was packed into the Timbers’ box when Millwood got the ball to Ukah (6’0”, 200 lbs) who used his brute strength to battle two Portland defenders; he held onto the ball and drove it past an outstretched Josh Saunders. The final minutes of the half saw lots of action for both sides. In the 43rd minute the Timbers had a free kick just outside the 18-yard-box; the shot was on target but Felipe Quintero made an incredible save and knocked the ball over the crossbar. Atlanta got on the board one more time in the final seconds of the half. During stoppage time, Rodrigo Rios played the ball to Millwood who slotted the ball from the left side of the box into the far side-netting. The half ended just seconds later with the Silverbacks leading 2-0.
         The second half was just as intense as the first, with numerous chances for both sides and some amazing saves from the two ‘keepers. The Silverbacks increased their lead in the 60th minute with a goal from defender Omar Jarun. Scott Buete sent the ball into Jarun who, in textbook fashion, headed the ball down to the goal-line and into the net. Atlanta was not done yet. In the 84th minute, David Hayes sent a perfect corner directly to the head of Adilson DeLima who sent the ball flying into the goal. The 4-0 score stood for the rest of the game. The Silverbacks successfully defended their home turf while recording another shutout.
        "I'm really pleased that we bounced back so well after our loss in Wilmington on Wednesday. It will be difficult to play again tomorrow [Sunday], but hopefully this is where our deep roster will come into play," commented head coach Jason Smith after the game.

Atlanta’s starters: Felipe Quintero, Joe Afful, Matt Bobo, Omar Jarun (Adilson DeLima – 68), David Hayes, Jason McLaughlin, Tony McManus (Antonio De La Torre – 63), Rodrigo Rios (Alex Pineda-Chacon – 74), Scott Buete (Marlon Rojas – 81), Warren Ukah (Fabian Dawkins – 59), Machel Millwood.
Cautions: Millwood – 18, Hayes - 44
Goals: Ukah (Millwood) – 23; Millwood (Rios) – 45; Jarun (Buete) – 60; Hayes (DeLima) – 84.

Portland’s starters: Josh Saunders, Scot Thompson, Mike Randolph (Josh Brown – 64), Salim Bullen, Hugo Cuellar, Lee Morrison, Byron Alvarez (Gavin Wilkinson – 45), Oral Bullen, Tom Poltl (Drew McArthy - 45), Luke Kraemalmeyer, Alejandro Gutierrez (Mubarike Chisoni – 45).
Cautions: Morrison – 30, Bullen - 83
Goals:

BACK-TO-BACK GAMES PROVE TOO MUCH, SILVERBACKS FALL 1-0 TO TORONTO
After beating Portland Saturday night, the Silverbacks woke up Sunday morning and flew to Toronto to take on the Toronto Lynx at 6:00 pm. The Silverbacks played a close game with the Lynx, and despite having plenty of chances, the 'Backs were unable to get on the scoreboard. The Silverbacks held on until the 57th minute, when a Lynx player, Palleschi received the ball at the far post and finished it into the goal. The referee ejected defender Antonio De La Torre in the 88th minute of the game. Even though the Silverbacks played down a man for the remainder of the game, they were able to create many more chances and had three breakaway opportunities in stoppage time. The Silverbacks' inability to finish while on the road has plagued the team all season, and unfortunately it cost them the game Sunday evening.

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SILVERBACKS HOST PUERTO RICO ISLANDERS ON SATURDAY
The Silverbacks will return home next Saturday, July 22 to play the Puerto Rico Islanders at 7:30 pm. The first 250 fans at the "Pepsi Game Day" will receive the second set of 2006 Silverbacks player cards. For more information call 1-866-GO-BACKS.