Atlanta Silverbacks

In what is considered their toughest home match to-date, the Atlanta Silverbacks Men will host the league-leading Montreal Impact this Friday, July 28 at 7:30 pm. The Silverbacks, 6-0-2 at RE/MAX Greater Atlanta Stadium, have not lost a home game in the eight weeks since their new stadium opened. Atlanta’s 7-5-4 overall record puts the team in fifth place in the USL First Division standings, while Montreal’s 9-2-5 overall record puts them in first place in the standings. These two teams met in Montreal on June 14 with Atlanta losing 4-1. Friday night’s match will be true test of home field advantage and a chance for the Silverbacks to take revenge on the Impact.
Tickets for this Friday’s game are available, however, after midnight on Thursday 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 Friday. 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.

WHO HAS THE BEST FANS?
          Following the excitement and unprecedented national coverage of the 2006 FIFA World Cup competition, the Atlanta Silverbacks and the Gwinnett Gladiators have partnered up for some friendly competition. Our mutual “goal” is to answer the burning question …which fans are the most supportive, extreme, and enthusiastic - soccer fans or hockey fans?
          “Coming from Detroit, hockey-town, I have a high-expectation of hockey fans. It will be interesting to see if the Gladiators fans can keep up with our Westside 109ers,” commented Silverbacks’ Director of Marketing Laura Fedrigo, a Michigan native.
          The first of a two-part alternating home venue Fan Spirit Challenge will happen on August 12th at the new RE/MAX Greater Atlanta Stadium. The Silverbacks will be taking on the Puerto Rico Islanders and there is no doubt the Silverbacks Westside 109 fan section will be out in full force. Gladiator fans will be there as well, trying to out-cheer soccer fans. Come show your support for the Silverbacks and prove soccer fans are the best! For more information call 1-866-GO-BACKS.

PDL BRINGS WILLIE B. CUP HOME, FINISH SEASON WITH A TIE
          The Atlanta Silverbacks U23’s finished their inaugural season with a 2-2 tie Saturday on the road against the Nashville Metros. The U23’s came from behind and fought their way back from a two-goal deficit to tie the game. The Silverbacks needed a tie or a win to secure the 2006 Willie B. Cup and the cup is now home in Atlanta.
          “It was great to end the season on such a positive note and bring the Willie B. Cup back to Atlanta. Our guys showed a tremendous amount of heart to come back from being down 2-0 again against Nashville. I’m very pleased with how they ended the season,” commented head coach Chris Shaw.
          The Metros went up two goals in the first half and the game remained the same for the majority of the match. With ten minutes left in the game, it looked as though Nashville would take the win, but Atlanta did not give up. Drew Griffin scored in the 81st minute with an assist by Mateus Anjos. Jyler Noviello ensured the tie when he scored in the 90th minute with an assist by John Drummond. The U23’s finished the season with a 6-6-4 record overall. For more information about next year’s PDL program, call 404-969-4900 or visit www.atlantasilverbacks.com.