Thursday July 27, 2006

          When the Atlanta Silverbacks Men host the Montreal Impact tomorrow night, the hometown team will test how much how home-field advantage really plays a part in the game. The Silverbacks, currently ranked 5th in the USL First Division standings, play the Impact, currently ranked 1st in the standings, at 7:30 pm Friday night at RE/MAX Greater Atlanta Stadium. Atlanta has never lost a game in their new stadium and tomorrow night the team will have a chance to avenge their 4-1 loss to Montreal from earlier in the season (6.14). Since the loss, the Silverbacks have gone 5-1-2 and outscored their opponents 12-4; the Impact has gone 5-1-3 and outscored their opponents 9-4. For the third week in a row, the outcome will depend heavily upon the goal keepers. Atlanta’s Felipe Quintero and Montreal’s Andrew Weber are tied (with four others) for 1st place in the USL First Division standings for goal keeping wins; each goalie has seven wins. Weber has seven shutouts and 41 saves, while Quintero has six shutouts and 53 saves. The Silverbacks will need Quintero to continue his solid play between the posts, along with an explosive game from goal-scorers Jason McLaughlin and Machel Millwood, in order to beat the league-leaders.
          The Silverbacks announced today they have released Matthew O’Toole in a decision reached by mutual consent. This was O’Toole’s first season with the Silverbacks; he played in nine games and recorded 242 minutes.
          Fans attending the “Western Union/Kroger” game day will have a chance to compete for various prizes at halftime. Tickets for Friday night’s game are available, however, after midnight tonight (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.