“We had a lot of the play in the first half and the game evened out in the second half.  I was very happy to come back from a one- goal deficit on two different occasions to get the win. Considering the chances we missed in the first half, I believe we deserved the win,” commented head coach Jason Smith.

          The Silverbacks had many missed opportunities in the first half and the team dealt with their recurring road-game problem: the inability to finish opportunities. Minnesota took advantage of their opportunities and went ahead 1-0 in the first half when Duncan Tarley scored.
          Atlanta continued to pressure Minnesota and did not let down in the second half. The Silverbacks broke the ice on their scoring chances in the 84th minute with a goal from Ukah. Dawkins played the ball to Ukah who beat Minnesota’s keeper and put Atlanta back in the game. In the 88th minute, Atlanta saw the tie slip from their hands when a defensive misunderstanding gave Toure a breakaway and a goal. The referee announced three minutes of stoppage time, but chances for the win looked grim for the Silverbacks. However, the Silverbacks came back from behind for the second time of the night when Hughes, a rookie, scored the equalizer. In the second minute of stoppage time Liam George sent Dawkins through into Minnesota territory, Dawkins sent a cross to the far post where Hughes was waiting and finished the ball with the outside of his foot. The Silverbacks would not settle for the tie and took the win in the final minute of stoppage time. Minnesota kicked off and Atlanta stole the ball, bringing it down the field and getting a corner kick. David Hayes took the corner and it was cleared back out to him, he beat a defender on the goal line and sent the ball back inside, Dawkins put it in the net at the back post. The Silverbacks walked away with the 3-2 win after scoring three goals in eight minutes. Ukah joins Machel Millwood and Jason McLaughlin at the top of the Silverbacks’ goal scorers – they all have four goals on the season. Dawkins and Hayes join Scott Buete for assist leader – they each have three assists.

        The team will return home to host the Toronto Lynx next Friday, August 4th at 7:30 pm at RE/MAX Greater Atlanta Stadium. The first 500 fans will receive 2006 Team Posters and all season ticket holders are invited to a meet-and-greet with the players after the match. The Silverbacks invite season ticket holders to bring memorabilia to have signed at the event which will be catered by Sweet Tomatoes. For ticket information to see the Silverbacks take on Toronto, call 1-866-GO-BACKS or visit www.atlantasilverbacks.com.

(c) Atlanta Silverbacks 2006 - All Rights Reserved.