Thursday July 12, 2007

          The Atlanta Silverbacks drew 1-1 with Rayados de Monterrey of the Mexican First Division tonight at RE/MAX Greater Atlanta Stadium in an international exhibition match presented by Tecate.
          The first half began a little frenzied for both sides before things settled down and the two teams began to play their own styles. The Silverbacks had their first great chance of the match in the 15th minute when Warren Ukah put an excellent header on target. Monterrey’s keeper, Jonathon Orozco, had to fully outstretch his body in order to punch the ball over the crossbar. Just two minutes later, Monterrey brought the ball into the Silverbacks’ box and in the ensuing play the referee awarded the visitors a penalty kick for a foul in the box. Luis Perez took the kick for the Rayados and converted the goal for Monterrey in the 17th minute. The match went back and forth with good chances for both sides. Angel Rivillo had a great look in the 30th minute off a free kick that forced Orozco to make another diving punch to get the ball over the crossbar. Monterrey had a near goal in the 36th minute but the Silverbacks’ Luis Liendo covered the back side and cleared the ball off the goal line. Atlanta almost evened the score in the 45th minute when Corey Woolfolk beat the keeper and finished the ball into the net, but the referee called back the goal and awarded the Silverbacks a corner kick. The half ended seconds later with the Mexican side leading 1-0.
          The second half saw more action from both sides as the physical nature of the game increased with each touch of the ball. The Silverbacks began subbing in the second half and brought fresh legs onto the field. A newcomer in the Silverbacks’ starting line-up tonight, Macoumba Kandji, scored the equalizer for Atlanta in the 78th minute. Rafique Hassim spent just five minutes in the match before he sent a cross into the box for Kandji who finished the diving the header and evened the score. Both sides battled till the very end of the match but neither team could break the one-goal mark. The international exhibition match ended with a 1-1 tie.
         The Silverbacks will resume regular season play on Saturday night when they host the Rochester Raging Rhinos at RE/MAX Greater Atlanta Stadium at 7:55 p.m. The first 500 fans through the gate will receive Silverbacks Cups. For ticket information call 404-969-4900 or visit www.atlantasilverbacks.com.