After making franchise history twice last weekend, the Atlanta Silverbacks will look to add another record to the books on Friday night (09.21.07) when they host the Portland Timbers in the semifinal round of the USL First Division playoffs at RE/MAX Greater Atlanta Stadium. The Silverbacks will be looking to win their first-ever semi-final match; last weekend the Silverbacks recorded Atlanta’s first postseason win and secured Atlanta’s first semi-final appearance. The game kicks off at 7:55 pm – for ticket information call 404-969-4900 or visit www.atlantasilverbacks.com.
On the eve of Friday night’s match between the league’s best offense and the league’s best defense, the United Soccer Leagues announced the USL-1 All-League Players on Thursday afternoon. The list included two Atlanta Silverbacks along with four players from the Portland Timbers.
Atlanta’s Daniel Antoniuk received honors as a forward – he also won Scoring Champion for his 23 points and Assist Champion for his nine assists. Atlanta’s David Hayes received honors as a defender – he plays a major role in the Silverbacks’ defensive line as well as contributing to the offense (he tied Antoniuk for goals scored with seven on the season).
Portland’s goalkeeper Josh Wicks received Goalkeeper of the Year honors, while defender Cameron Knowles and midfielder Andrew Gregor received first team honors. Another Portland defender, Scot Thompson, received second team honors for his efforts in the 2007 season.
These two stellar squads will be leaving everything on the field this weekend in the two-game series. The outstanding goalkeeping of both Ryan McIntosh and Wicks coupled with the Atlanta’s explosive offensive threats and Portland’s organized counterattacks should make Friday night’s match one of the best of the season.
The teams will finish the two-game series on Sunday night at PGE Park in Portland, OR. The match will kick off at 8:00 pm and will broadcast live nationally on the Fox Soccer Channel.
The winner of the Atlanta (No.4) - Portland (No.2) series will take on the winner of Seattle (No.1) – Puerto Rico (6) series in the USL First Division Championship. The championship will be played on September 29 at a site that has not yet been determined.
For any additional information to see the Silverbacks on Friday night in their first semi-final appearance, please call 404-969-4900 or visit www.atlantasilverbacks.com.
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