Saturday March 29, 2008
ATLANTA—The Silverbacks wrapped up a taxing week of two-a-day sessions and a pair of scrimmages with an hour-and-a-half workout at Silverbacks Park Saturday.
    "Every day things are getting a little better," said head coach Jason Smith. "Team chemistry is coming together. The new players are fitting in well. Everyone is working hard. We're at the point we need to be at this point in the preseason."
    On Friday night the weary-legged Silverbacks faced the University of Alabama Birmingham in a closed-door scrimmage. Trialist Tate Parrish drew the Silverbacks level in the 79th minute in the 1-1 result.
    The scrimmage was a homecoming for Silverbacks Justin McLaughlin and Tony McManus, both of whom played for the perennially ranked Blazers.
    "It's always nice to get back, and play on the field where I played my college soccer," said McManus.
    The Silverbacks fielded a starting 11 in the first half of Ryan McIntosh, David Hayes, Zach Kirby, Josh Bolton, Matt Bobo, Ansu Toure, McManus, Rodrigo Rios, Mac Kandji, McLaughlin, and Nathan Knox.
    But it took the regulars nearly 20 minutes to gain control of the run of play. UAB played with a compact midfield, which combined with the slippery playing surface, caused some difficulty for the Silverbacks early on. The Blazers were the first to threaten, earning a dangerous free kick just outside of the penalty area 10 minutes into the match, but were unable to convert the set piece.
    As the half wore on the Silverbacks took control of the increasingly physical match, utilizing the speed and creativity of Kandji and Toure on the flanks, and the solid ball-winning of McManus in the middle of the park.
    The second half brought wholesale changes for the Silverbacks lineup, which included several trialists. Despite the changes the Silverbacks continued to control the run of play early, but as the half wore on the side's fatigue became evident.     Smith continued to experiment with regular players in various positions, pairing Kandji up front with McLaughlin. Kandji, whose training was kept to a minimum during the week due to a slight knee injury, twice found himself behind the UAB back four, but pushed the ball wide once and was foiled by a flailing UAB goalkeeper on his second breakaway.
    In the 70th minute UAB began to mount a prolonged attack, forcing Silverbacks goalkeeper Felipe Quintero to save spectacularly to his left, parrying the ball to relative safety. The resulting corner kick found the head of an unmarked attacker, who nodded the Blazers into the lead.
    "The goal was a result of unfamiliarity between the defenders," said Smith. "We haven't worked a lot on set pieces yet, so some of the new players are not completely sure of their assignments and one of their players got through."
    After more changes, the Silverbacks began mounting an attack of their own, forcing the UAB goalkeeper into action twice before leveling the score 11 minutes before full time off a Hayes corner kick. The UAB goalkeeper was unable to punch the deftly-taken inswinger clear, allowing Parrish, a former Clemson University standout, set up a left-footed blast that found its way through a crowded goal-front, nicking the inside of the near post.

I Do
Justin Moore was excused from attending Friday's scrimmage and training Saturday to attend a wedding—his own.

Good News
Newly acquired midfielder Mike Ambersley received some good news Thursday: MRI results on the knee he injured last week showed only a deep tissue bruise. He is expected to begin light training within the next couple of week, depending on how it responds to treatment.

Missing Pieces
The Silverbacks are still without the services of 2007 MVP Scott Buete and golden boot winner Warren Ukah. Both are playing indoors and will rejoin the Silverbacks at the conclusion of their respective seasons. Also absent from camp is Anthony Wolfe, who will soon join the club after Trinidad and Tobago National Team duty.
    "I'd like to have everyone here," said Smith. "We'll get them here as soon as we can."

Week Three
After two grueling weeks of two- and three-a-day training, mood in the Silverbacks camp remains up-beat as the season draws near.
    "I think we are about in the right place," said skipper Rodrigo Rios. "Everyone is working hard. The players are coming together, working together. As the fitness comes we can start working on the little things."
    The Silverbacks have Sunday off, and return to two-a-day sessions Monday.
    The Silverbacks kick off the 2008 season Saturday April 19, hosting the Carolina RailHawks.

Injury Report
Mike Ambersley (knee: deep tissue bruise)—Two to six weeks
Justin Moore (sports hernia)—Day-to-day