Sunday August 26, 2007
    The Atlanta Silverbacks clinched a spot in the USL First Division playoffs tonight with a 3-2 win over the Minnesota Thunder. The win takes Atlanta’s record to 11-8-6, putting them into fourth place in league standings. The Silverbacks will return to Atlanta to host the Puerto Rico Islanders on Saturday, September 1 at 7:55 pm.
    “We set a goal to have a playoff spot secured by the end of August and we achieved that goal tonight,” commented Head Coach Jason Smith. “We’re going to continue to fight hard in these last few games to have a high-seed headed into the post season.” 
    The Silverbacks got off to a rough start in Minnesota tonight when the Thunder, a team with just three wins, opened scoring in the fifth minute. Dale Weiler assisted Brian Farber on the team’s 25th goal of the season. The Silverbacks took the wake-up call, quickly realizing that they’d have to work hard to secure a spot in the postseason. Atlanta evened the score in the 21st minute when Rodrigo Rios sent a cross in the box to Machel Millwood; Millwood finished the equalizer. The ‘Backs took the lead less than ten minutes later when they capitalized on a corner kick. When the ball arrived in the penalty area Matt Bobo kept it alive with a header to Tony McManus; McManus scored his third goal of the season. The half ended with Atlanta leading 2-1.
    The second half saw the Silverbacks extend their lead in the 50th minute when Warren Ukah played the ball through to David Hayes who finished what would become the game-winning goal. Atlanta gave Minnesota a life-line in the 70th minute when a defensive miscue led to an own goal. The Silverbacks held onto the one-goal lead and finished the game with a 3-2 win that will see Atlanta in the postseason for the first time since 2002.

    The Silverbacks will host the Puerto Rico Islanders in their final regular season home match on Saturday, September 1 at 7:55 pm at RE/MAX Greater Atlanta Stadium. For ticket information call 404-969-4900 or visit www.atlantasilverbacks.com.

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