Atlanta Silverbacks

The Atlanta Silverbacks will spend the week preparing for their upcoming playoff match in the USL First Division quarter-finals against the Rochester Rhinos. The two-game series begins on Friday night at 7:55 pm at RE/MAX Greater Atlanta Stadium and concludes on Sunday evening at 6:05 pm at PAETEC Park in Rochester, NY.
The Silverbacks and the Rhinos finished fourth and fifth, respectively, in the USL First Division standings, leaving Atlanta the choice of whether to play the first or second leg at home.

“After ending the season with two long road trips that included stops on the west coast, we decided to begin our playoff run in Atlanta in front of our home fans,” commented Head Coach Jason Smith. “The plan is to gain momentum at home on Friday night in the first leg and carry that momentum through to Sunday night in Rochester.”

The Silverbacks and the Rhinos met twice during the regular season with both games ending in a victory for Atlanta. On Friday, June 29 the Silverbacks won 2-0 in Rochester with goals from Daniel Antoniuk and John Queeley. On Saturday, July 14 the Silverbacks won 4-1 in Atlanta with goals from Warren Ukah, David Hayes, Rodrigo Rios and Daniel Antoniuk; Chad Severs scored for the Rhinos.

           During the 2007 regular season, the Silverbacks scored a total of 40 goals, the highest in the league. The Rhinos finished just behind Atlanta with 39 goals on the season. Atlanta’s league leading goals came from the help of a deep offense with numerous scoring threats. The Silverbacks had 13 different players score goals this season with five players scoring four goals or more. Rochester also had 13 different players score goals this season with three players scoring four goals or more.
           On paper, Atlanta (12-9-7, 40 GF, 30 GA) and Rochester (12-10-6, 39 GF, 36 GA) match up pretty evenly, but the regular season is history. Both teams will be starting fresh and fighting hard this weekend to advance to the USL First Division semi-finals.
           Be sure to help your Silverbacks get ahead early in the series. Come out and support the ‘Backs and wear a red t-shirt!
           Tickets are now available online (www.atlantasilverbacks.com) and over the phone (404.969.4900). Act now to reserve your seat to this exciting event in the Atlanta sports community!