Tuesday June 17, 2008
ATLANTA—Three Atlanta Silverbacks were named to the USL-1 Best 11 side for week nine on Tuesday. Matt Bobo and David Hayes each earned the honor for the second time this season, and Blake Camp was named to the squad for the first time as a Silverback.

Playing two league and one Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup fixtures in the span of five days—all on the road—the Silverbacks managed two come-from-behind draws in league play and a USOC win in penalty kicks.

Last Tuesday the Silverbacks opened up the grueling road swing with a USOC first round fixture, playing a professional-caliber PDL Austin Aztex side to a 1-1 draw in regulation. The teams swapped goals in the 30 minute extra time, with the Silverbacks coming out on top in penalty kicks. Mac Kandji and Hayes tallied goals for the Silverbacks, and Hayes iced the game from the penalty spot.

On Thursday the Silverbacks faced third-place Portland at the always imposing PGE Park. Gifted an own goal and a man advantage in the first half, the Silverbacks clawed back into the game, leveling the score at two in the 88th minute off Nathan Knox's first goal on the season.

Saturday the Silverbacks traveled to Minnesota, and were again forced to come from behind. After making his first start of the season versus Portland, Camp reached another milestone as a Silverback at Minnesota, drawing the game level in the 84th minute. Two minutes later he missed the game winner by an inch, striking a free kick squarely off the woodwork. Hayes returned to Atlanta early, missing the Minnesota match, to be with his wife, who went into labor. It was, however, a false alarm, and she has yet to deliver the couple's first child. He is expected to be available for Saturday's match versus Puerto Rico.

Bobo and Hayes have both earned the distinction this season: Bobo in week one for his steely defensive play in the Silverbacks 1-1 season opening draw with Carolina. Hayes earned his first Best 11 for his equalizing goal in the side's 2-2 draw at Carolina.

Camp earns the Best 11 nod on the heels his first start for the Silverbacks versus Portland. Versus Minnesota he entered the match as a substitute, finishing a right-footed blast from outside the penalty area to draw the game level, and just missed a free kick to win the game moments after his goal.

Rochester's Mauricio Salles earned Player of the Week honors for his two goal and one assist performance in Rochester's decisive 3-0 home win over second place Vancouver Friday night.

The Silverbacks return to Atlanta Silverbacks Park Saturday night to face the Puerto Rico Islanders. Kickoff is at 7:55.

USL-1 Best 11 Week Nine

G Matt Jordan, Montreal: Eight saves in 1-0 win over Charleston
D Kevin Friedland, Minnesota: Goal in 1-1 draw against Atlanta
D Justin Thompson, Portland: Goal in 2-2 draw against Atlanta
D Matt Bobo, Atlanta: Led team in 1-1 draw at Minnesota
M David Hayes, Atlanta: Assist in 2-2 draw at Portland
M Jonathan Steele, Puerto Rico: Two assists in 3-0 win over Carolina
M Ze Roberto, Rochester: Two assists in 3-0 win over Vancouver
M Blake Camp, Atlanta: Goal in 1-1 draw at Minnesota
F Rocco Placentino, Montreal:Goal in 1-0 win over Charleston
F Mauricio Salles, Rochester: Two goals, assist in 3-0 win over Vancouver
F Alex Afonso, Miami: Goal, assist in 2-0 win over Carolina