Atlanta Silverbacks

          The Atlanta Silverbacks will host the Puerto Rico Islanders this Friday, August 10 at 8:00 pm at RE/MAX Greater Atlanta Stadium. The game will be nationally broadcast live on the Fox Soccer Channel, one of the premier soccer networks in the world. In addition to the game being nationally televised, spectators will receive another treat – following the match, fans in attendance will enjoy a dazzling fireworks show for the third time this year!
        The Silverbacks met the Islanders once already this season when Atlanta came from behind to beat the Islanders 3-2 on the road. After falling 2-1 in the second half, Atlanta notched an equalizer and finally a game-winner in the 88th minute to earn an important road win in a thrilling game which saw Dayton O’Brien put away the game winner after Rafique Hassim scored two goals for Atlanta.
        The ‘Backs are coming off a 2-1 victory over rival Charleston Battery this past Saturday (08.04.07). The victory came after Atlanta struck first in the match when Daniel Antoniuk scored in the 22nd minute helping to bolster his league-lead in points (22). David Hayes added a goal off a penalty kick just four minutes later to help secure the game for the ‘Backs. Hayes’ goal in the 2-1 win earned him a spot on the USL Team of the Week.
       Puerto Rico is coming off a 1-0 loss to the Seattle Sounders, but it was their first loss in eight games. Their dangerous offense is exemplified by the 29 goals the Islanders have scored this season (second highest in the league). Puerto Rico will be looking to get back on track, but are in the midst of a difficult five-game road trip against several tough teams.
       There are only two home games left for the ‘Backs in the 2007 season! Make sure to catch Atlanta in town before they embark on a four-game road trip. The first 250 fans through the gates will also receive the third set of Official Player Cards. For tickets or more information, please call 404-969-4900 or visit www.atlantasilverbacks.com.

SILVERBACKS WOMEN TO BE HONORED ON FRIDAY NIGHT AT RE/MAX GREATER ATLANTA STADIUM
          The Atlanta Silverbacks Women will be honored on Friday evening at RE/MAX Greater Atlanta Stadium during halftime of the Atlanta Silverbacks’ match against the Puerto Rico Islanders. The Silverbacks Women just returned from their first W-League Championship appearance where they fell 3-1 to the Washington Freedom. The 2007 W-League Runner’s- Up will have their trophy presentation and will be available for autographs at the game on Friday night.
          “As an organization, we are very proud of how far the team has come in just three seasons of play. We are extremely happy with the success of the team, not only this weekend, but over the course of the entire season,” commented Silverbacks’ Executive Director Laura Fedrigo. “Our goals have always included advancing to playoffs and making the final four and it was great to finally accomplish that this season. Washington is a great team and now we have an idea of where we need to be next season in order to bring home the title.”
          Atlanta cruised through their first ever W-League postseason and advanced to the W-League Championship after beating the Michigan Hawks (4-0), the Minnesota Lightning (5-2), and the Seattle Sounders (4-1).
          The Silverbacks Women took on the Washington Freedom on Sunday afternoon (08.05.07) in what was coincidentally a flashback to the 2003 WUSA Founders Cup III Championship when the Washington Freedom beat the Atlanta Beat 2-1 in overtime. Three players from both the Freedom and the Silverbacks Women played in Sunday’s match as well as the 2003 WUSA Championship – Atlanta’s Tara Minnax, Sharolta Nonen, and Julie Augustyniak-Tuff and Washington’s Kele Golebiowski, Lindsey Zimney, and Casey Zimney.
          Washington took an incredibly early lead in the first minute of play when Rebecca Moros sent a 16-yard shot into the back of the net. Atlanta regrouped after the stunning start to the match, but Washington struck again at the end of the first half. Sarah Huffman sent a perfect through ball past the ‘Backs defense to an on-rushing Christie Welsh who finished what would become the game-winner.
           Atlanta attempted a comeback in the second half when Sarah Steinman assisted Krista Davey on the ‘Backs first goal of the night. But the Freedom thwarted any hopes of an equalizer in the 88th minute when Tiffany McCarty drove home their third and final goal. Katie Eriksson, Sharolta Nonen, and Christine Latham earned a spot on the W-League Championship All-Tournament Team for their efforts over the weekend.
          The 2007 Silverbacks Women made franchise history several times this season with their first-ever playoff appearance, Central Conference Title, and W-League Championship appearance. Goalkeeper Melanie Wilson earned the honors of Goalkeeper of the Year in addition to winning the GAA Championship for the league’s lowest goals against average of 0.250. Tara Minnax, Latham, and Wilson also earned honors on the All-Central Conference Team.
Come out and celebrate the Silverbacks Women’s great success in the 2007 season on Friday night at 8:00 pm.