Thursday September 13, 2007
          For the first time in five years the Atlanta Silverbacks will be playing in a USL First Division playoff match. The Silverbacks will look to make franchise history with a playoff win on Friday night when they host the Rochester Raging Rhinos in the first round of the 2007 USL playoffs. The game kicks off at 7:55 pm at RE/MAX Greater Atlanta Stadium – be sure to wear red to support the ‘Backs in their playoff run!
         The Silverbacks swept the Rhinos during the regular season with a 2-0 away win and a 4-1 home win. While several current Silverbacks have appeared in USL playoff matches, the franchise has never recorded a playoff win. The ‘Backs did not advance past the first round in either of their playoff appearances in 2001 or 2002. The Atlanta squad seems to be peaking at the right time and their dynamic offense will look to bring home the club’s first postseason win. The Silverbacks finished the season as the No.4 seed in the USL and first in the league for goals scored with 40. Atlanta is 8-3-3 at RE/MAX Greater Atlanta Stadium.
          Rochester is no stranger to playing in the postseason; their extensive experience in the playoffs began at the club’s inception in 1996 - they have not missed a postseason since then. Last year the Rhinos lost in the championship match 3-0 to the Vancouver Whitecaps; the franchise has won three USL First Division titles in its history, the most recent in 2001.
          Silverbacks forward Daniel Antoniuk picked up two awards this week when the United Soccer Leagues announced the USL First Division Statistical Awards for the 2007 season. The awards honored the Scoring Champion, Goal Scoring Champion, Assist Leader and GAA Champion. Antoniuk was awarded Scoring Champion and Assist Leader – he finished the season with 23 points, seven goals, and nine assists. Antoniuk is the second Assist Leader in the history of the league to capture the Scoring Championship without also winning the Goal Scoring Championship.
          Silverbacks midfielder Tony McManus also picked up an award this week when he was named to the USL First Division Team of the Week. McManus scored a game-tying goal in the 88th minute against the Vancouver Whitecaps on Friday evening. The tie clinched the Silverbacks’ No.4 seed for the postseason.
         Tickets to see the Atlanta Silverbacks take on the Rochester Rhinos on Friday night can be purchased online (www.atlantasilverbacks.com) or over the phone (404.969.4900). Don’t miss this opportunity to support the ‘Backs and help them make history!

© Atlanta Silverbacks 2007 – All Rights Reserved.