Saturday June 2, 2007

           The Atlanta Silverbacks lost 2-1 to Miami FC tonight at RE/MAX Greater Atlanta Stadium after Miami came from behind and scored the game winner in stoppage time. In a match reminiscent of their meeting just two weeks ago, the Silverbacks gave up a one goal lead and the game ended 2-1 in favor of Miami.
          The match began with even play from both sides – each team had offensive chances and the physical nature of the game was evident in every tackle. The Silverbacks took the lead in the 31st minute of the match when Tony McManus’ run put him in the perfect position to finish the play for the ‘Backs. The attack began when Rodrigo Rios took the ball to the end-line and pulled it back across the face of the goal; the ball slipped through to an open Justin Moore who took a shot to the far post; Moore’s shot bounced off the post but an oncoming McManus finished it into the side netting for his second goal of the season. The half ended with a 1-0 lead for the Silverbacks.
          Miami played without Zinho for the first half, but the member of the ’94 Brazilian World Cup team subbed in to play for his team at halftime. Zinho made his presence known in the 73rd minute when he assisted Julio Cesar for the equalizer. Zinho sent the ball in from the right side to Cesar who finished it past Atlanta’s Felipe Quintero. The ‘Backs had some excellent chances, but were unable to finish any more goals. The game looked as if it would end in a draw, but with just seconds remaining in stoppage time, Miami’s Eric Vasquez ripped a game-winning shot. Vasquez gathered the ball at the edge of the 18-yard box and hit a solid strike; Quintero, partially blocked by defenders, reacted at the last second but could not get to the ball. The referee blew the whistle seconds after the ensuing kick-off and the match ended 2-1 to Miami. 
          The Atlanta Silverbacks will host the Seattle Sounders on Saturday, June 9 at RE/MAX Greater Atlanta Stadium at 7:55 pm. The first 250 fans in the gates will receive a limited edition Silverbacks scarf. For ticket information, please call 1-866-GO-BACKS or visit www.atlantasilverbacks.com.