Atlanta Silverbacks

           The Atlanta Silverbacks will host the Puerto Rico Islanders this Saturday night at 7:30 pm at RE/MAX Greater Atlanta Stadium. This will be the fourth meeting between the two teams who are both jockeying for sixth place in the USL First Division. The Silverbacks opened the 2006 season with two road games in Puerto Rico, falling 3-1 in the first game and drawing 1-1 in the second. The teams met in Atlanta on July 22 and drew 1-1 for the second time.
           The Silverbacks lost both games over the weekend, falling 4-2 to the Toronto Lynx on Friday and dropping a close 1-0 loss in stoppage time to the Rochester Raging Rhinos on Saturday. The Islanders will play the Charleston Battery tomorrow night before traveling to Atlanta.
           The first 500 fans to enter the gates at this Saturday’s “Best Buy Game Day” will be presented with the third set of 2006 player cards. For ticket information call 1-866-GO-BACKS or visit www.atlantasilverbacks.com.

PRO-RATED SEASON TICKET PACK FOR REMAINING HOME GAMES
With the four biggest home games of the season remaining, the Silverbacks are offering pro-rated season ticket packs. The ticket packages start at $40 (white section), and guarantee buyers a seat for all four remaining games against Puerto Rico (8.12), Miami (8.19), Miami (8.25), and Rochester (9.2). The ticket packages provide a 20% discount off normal ticket prices and can only be purchased over the phone during normal business hours (not at the gate). The games will be crucial in the Silverbacks’ hunt for the playoffs – the team currently sits in sixth place in the USL First Division. At the completion of the 2006 regular season, only the top six teams qualify for playoffs. Should the Silverbacks remain in the top six spots - this will be the team’s first post-season appearance in four years. For more information on securing your seats to the final games at a discounted price call 1-866-GO-BACKS.

FIREWORKS - FAN APPRECIATION AT THE FINAL HOME GAME
As a thank you to fans for supporting the Silverbacks at their new home, the team will put on another fireworks show following the ‘Backs final home match on Saturday, September 2. The game kicks off at 7:30 pm against the Rochester Raging Rhinos and will likely have huge implications in the Silverbacks’ push for playoffs. The game, coupled with the fireworks show, will be a great way to spend the holiday weekend and commemorate the first season at RE/MAX Greater Atlanta Stadium. For more information about the Silverbacks’ final home game, call 1-866-GO-BACKS or visit www.atlantasilverbacks.com.

GASTON NAMED W-LEAGUE DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Leslie Gaston missed only two minutes of play during her entire 2006 season with the Atlanta Silverbacks Women. Her stellar play and solid defense earned her the Defensive Player of the Year award for the entire USL W-League – the highest award given to any defender in the league. Gaston was also named to the All W-League team and the All-Central Conference team. She was the only player named to the All W-League team from a club that did not make the playoffs. Gaston anchored Atlanta’s defense which only allowed 17 goals in the season; she also added two goals and an assist to the Silverbacks’ offensive efforts.