Friday June 29, 2007
         The Atlanta Silverbacks beat the Rochester Raging Rhinos 2-0 tonight at PAETEC Park with goals from Daniel Antoniuk and John Queeley. The Silverbacks’ win broke the Rhinos undefeated record at home and gave Atlanta an important win on the road.
         “They controlled the first half, but we corrected a few problems at half time and that made all the difference. I felt we played well defensively and took some vital points on the road; this is a very tough team and a very tough place to play,” commented Head Coach Jason Smith.
          The first half saw the Silverbacks rely heavily on their defense which thwarted off numerous threats from the Rhinos, the league’s highest scoring team. Rochester controlled the match for the majority of the half, while Atlanta created a few chances off counterattacks. The Silverbacks’ offensive efforts were rewarded in the 44th minute when Antoniuk scored his fourth goal of the season. David Hayes stood near the halfway line and sent a free-kick into the box; the ball ricocheted off a Rochester defender out to Antoniuk’s feet; he drove it one time into the back of the net. The Silverbacks took the momentum of their goal and headed into the locker rooms with a 1-0 lead.
           The Silverbacks came out in the second half with a renewed spirit and Warren Ukah had a header go just over the cross bar in the first minute of play. The visitors settled in to play and began keeping possession longer, connecting passes and making smart decisions. Rochester began making changes to get fresh legs on the field, while Atlanta stuck with its original line-up for the most part, subbing in the 69th minute when Justin Moore came on for Ukah. Ryan McIntosh made a great save in the 83rd minute to keep Rochester scoreless. Queeley came on for the Silverbacks in the 89th minute and scored just one minute after entering the game. Atlanta countered after a Rochester corner kick when Hayes brought the ball out of the Silverbacks’ half with speed, giving the ‘Backs a three-on-one. Hayes played the ball through to Queeley who finished the ball past Rochester’s keeper with no time left on the clock. After giving up two late goals to the Charleston Battery just last week, the Silverbacks secured a late goal of their own.     
    The Silverbacks will return home to host their rival, the Charleston Battery, in a match on July 4th at RE/MAX Greater Atlanta Stadium. The Silverbacks’ annual Fourth of July match will feature a spectacular fireworks show after the game. The first 300 fans to enter the gates will receive Silverbacks team posters. The match kicks off at 7:55 pm – purchase tickets online at www.atlantasilverbacks.com or call 404-969-4900.

Atlanta’s starters: Ryan McIntosh, Matt Bobo, Omar Jarun, David Hayes, Martyn Lancaster, Tony McManus, Scott Buete, Rafique Hassim, Rodrigo Rios (John Queeley – 89), Warren Ukah (Justin Moore – 69), Daniel Antoniuk.
Goals: Antoniuk – 44; Queeley – 90 (Hayes)
Cautions: Jarun - 45; McManus - 76

SILVERBACKS TO HOST RAYADOS DE MONTERREY OF THE MEXICAN FIRST DIVISION
          The Atlanta Silverbacks will be hosting another Mexican Professional First Division team this summer, Rayados de Monterrey, on July 12th.  The Silverbacks, who will already be taking on the renowned Cruz Azul on July 28th, will give their fans another opportunity to see a top Mexican Primera División team here in Atlanta.  Tecate, the game’s presenting sponsor, has also planned a soccer extravaganza where devoted fans will be treated to autograph sessions featuring Selección Tecate players and an energetic half-time show, sponsored by Alka-Seltzer®.
            Tickets to the July 12 Primera División Tecate festivities will be on sale to the public on  Tuesday, July 3 at 12:00 pm. Platinum Club Members and Season Ticket Holders will have the opportunity to purchase their regular season seats on Monday, July 2 prior to the release to the public. Get your tickets by calling 404-969-4900 or visiting www.atlantasilverbacks.com. 

For media inquiries or credentials, contact Maria Amor of Formula PR at (619) 234-0345.