Tuesday October 9, 2007
           The Atlanta Silverbacks finished the 2007 season with an overall record of 15-10-11 that included three Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup matches as well as a five-game playoff run that saw the Silverbacks reach the USL First Division Championship for the first time in franchise history. Click for the complete stats and results from the Silverbacks’ history-making season.
          The Silverbacks started the regular season with a spark that resulted in an appearance at the top of the USL-1 table after a four-game undefeated streak. Once knocked off the top spot, Atlanta fluctuated throughout the table during the middle of the season as the ‘Backs went through hot-and-cold points including a six-game winless streak that the team followed up with four-game winning streak. The winning streak built some much needed momentum for Atlanta and the team went on the finish their final ten games of the regular season with only two losses. The Silverbacks suffered several season-ending injuries during those final ten matches – Justin Moore (8/4), Rafique Hassim (8/17), Dayton O’Brien (9/5) and Tony McManus (9/14).  
          The Silverbacks’ 12-9-7 regular season record qualified the team for the postseason for the first time in five years. Atlanta finished in fourth place of the USL First Division with 43 points. The ‘Backs first took down the Rochester Raging Rhinos 3-2 on aggregate goals in the two-game quarterfinal series. The ‘Backs then knocked off the Portland Timbers in the two-game semifinal series that had to be determined in penalty kicks. The Silverbacks battled hard during the USL First Division Championship on September 29, 2007 but ultimately fell to the Seattle Sounders, marking the end of Atlanta’s historic season.
          Aside from USL-1 competition, the Silverbacks stayed busy with a three-game campaign in the U.S. Open Cup. The ‘Backs opened their run in the nationwide tournament with a record-breaking 10-0 win over Azzurri FC. Atlanta’s ten goals marked the largest amount scored by any one team in any single game during the professional history of the U.S. Open Cup. The Silverbacks went on to defeat a tough USL-2 side, the Charlotte Eagles, 1-0 at RMGA Stadium. In the third round, the Silverbacks took on MLS side, FC Dallas, in a tight match that was eventually determined by penalty kicks. Dallas advanced past Atlanta 4-3 on PKs.
          As if battling in the USL-1 regular season and the U.S. Open Cup wasn’t enough, the Silverbacks found time to host two international exhibition matches for the entertainment of the Atlanta soccer community. The ‘Backs hosted the Mexican Primera Division’s Rayados de Monterrey on July 12 in the first ever international exhibition at RMGA Stadium. Then two weeks later, the Silverbacks hosted Cruz Azul, also from the Mexican Primera Division, in the inaugural Copa Amistad “Friendship Cup” at RMGA Stadium. Atlanta tied Rayados de Monterrey 1-1 and fell to Cruz Azul 2-1.   
          Jason Smith served as the head coach for the Silverbacks; he was assisted by Alex Pineda-Chacon, Gaucho Pinho and Tony Anglin. The Silverbacks will hold three open tryouts during the winter for the 2007 squad - click on the tryouts link for more information.

CLICK HERE FOR THE COMPLETE STATS AND RESULTS FROM THE 2007 SEASON

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