After being a goal down twice in tonight’s match, the Atlanta Silverbacks scored in the 88th minute to beat the Puerto Rico Islanders 3-2 at Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Rafique Hassim, in his debut in Atlanta’s starting line-up, scored the first two goals for the Silverbacks; Dayton O’Brien scored the game winning goal – his first goal of the season.
“Our team showed a lot of character to fight back twice from a one goal deficit. We pushed forward to get the game winner in the 88th minute and the guys gave it all they had despite the toll the humidity took from them,” commented Head Coach Jason Smith.
The night looked grim for Atlanta when Puerto Rico started the scoring in just the 6th minute with a goal from Melvin Tarley. But the Silverbacks evened the score in the 39th minute when David Hayes took the ball down and sent a cross into the box; Hassim headed the ball into the net for the Silverbacks’ first goal. The Islanders took the lead again in the 51st minute with a goal from Alberto Zapata. For the second time of the night, Hassim finished the equalizer; Daniel Antoniuk battled for the ball upfront and Hassim was able to finish it one time with a half volley in the 53rd minute. O’Brien took the win for the Silverbacks in the 88th minute – Antoniuk received the ball with his back to goal and laid it off to an overlapping O’Brien who ripped it first time past the Islanders’ goalkeeper, Josh Saunders.
The Silverbacks will take on Miami FC on Sunday at 6:00 pm. Atlanta’s next home match will be on June 2 against Miami FC at 7:55 pm. For more information call 1-866-GO-BACKS or visit www.atlantasilverbacks.com.
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