Tuesday September 25, 2007
            The Atlanta Silverbacks will play in the USL First Division Championship against the Seattle Sounders on Saturday, September 29 at 10:00 pm EST at the Starfire Sports Complex in Seattle, WA.
            The Silverbacks secured their first-ever championship appearance with a close win over the Portland Timbers in the USL-1 semi-finals last weekend. Atlanta advanced past Portland on penalty kicks on Sunday afternoon after the two-game series was tied 1-1 on aggregate goals (1-1@Atlanta, 0-0@Portland). The Silverbacks’ playoff run officially began in a quarter-final series with the Rochester Raging Rhinos that saw Atlanta win 3-2 on aggregate goals (2-1@Atlanta, 1-1@Rochester).
            The Silverbacks have already made franchise history several times during this year’s postseason: first win in a playoff match, first time advancing past the first round, first appearance in a semi-final match, and first appearance in a championship match. 
          Atlanta had several players receive nominations from the league’s coaches and general mangers for the top awards in the USL First Division. Forward Daniel Antoniuk has been nominated for the Most Valuable Player award. He has already earned this year’s title of Scoring Champion (23 points) and Assist Leader (nine assists). He is up against Sebastien Le Toux of the Seattle Sounders.
          Defender David Hayes has been nominated to receive the Defender of the Year award. A veteran in the Silverbacks’ defensive line, Hayes used his knowledge of the game to put away seven goals for the league’s highest scoring team while also keeping tight watch from Atlanta’s left back position.
          Both Antoniuk and Hayes earned spots on the USL-1 All-League First Team for the efforts during the 2007 season. The winners of the Most Valuable Player, Defender of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and Coach of the Year awards will be unveiled at the USL First Division Championship Banquet on Friday, September 28 in Seattle.
           The match will be broadcast live on the Fox Soccer Channel – join your fellow Silverbacks fans for the Official Watch Party on Saturday night at Twain’s in Decatur.

OFFICIAL ATLANTA SILVERBACKS USL CHAMPIONSHIP WATCH PARTY
           The Official USL First Division Championship Watch Party will be held on Saturday night at Twain’s Billiards and Tap in Decatur – come out to support your Silverbacks on this historic night. The USL-1 Championship match between the Atlanta Silverbacks and the Seattle Sounders begins at 10:00 pm EST on the Fox Soccer Channel. A live band will play from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm before the start of the match, at which time the audio on the televisions will be turned on for everyone to enjoy the game. All Silverbacks fans will receive a special discount on food and drinks. Anyone under the age of 21 MUST BE ACCOMPANIED by a parent at all times during the event; anyone under 21 without a parent will not be allowed inside. You don’t want to miss this exciting evening – call 404.969.4900 for more information.

© Atlanta Silverbacks 2007 – All Rights Reserved.