Friday June 20, 2008
ATLANTA—The Atlanta Silverbacks return home after a grueling week on the road to face the Puerto Rico Islanders at Atlanta Silverbacks Park Saturday night. Kickoff is at 7:55.

(Photo Caption: David Hayes made his 100th appearance for the Silverbacks, earned Best 11 honors, and became a father last week. Photo by Ron Holt)

Playing three games in five days, the Silverbacks managed to scrape away two much-needed league points and a Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup win.

“Puerto Rico is obviously coming off a big win last week,” said head coach Jason Smith. “Having played them to a tie two weeks ago we know they are going to be difficult. But we're back at home after a very long trip, which should give the boys a boost.”

The side began the road swing facing PDL side Austin Aztex at Austin in the USOC first round. Mac Kandji and David Hayes twice leveled the score for the Silverbacks in the match before going to penalty kicks. Hayes, shooting last, converted his spot kick and put the Silverbacks through to the second round.

Two days later in Portland, Nathan Knox scored his first goal with the club, equalizing in the 88th minute to give the Silverbacks a point on the night. The Silverbacks (3-3-5, 14 points, sixth place) first goal came off the head of a Portland defender for an own goal. The match marked a considerable for Hayes, who earned his 100th appearance for the Silverbacks. Hayes is the second Silverback to reach the milestone this season, along with Rodrigo Rios.

The Silverbacks wrapped up its exhausting road swing 36 hours later, playing the Minnesota Thunder to a 1-1 draw. Blake Camp, who made his first start as a Silverback versus Portland, pulled the Silverbacks from a goal back in the 84th minute.

Puerto Rico (2-3-3, nine points, 11th place) is coming off a 3-0 home win over the Carolina RailHawks. Kendall Jagdeosingh, Noah Delgado, and John Krause scored for the Islanders in the side’s second win of the season.

The two clubs have met once this season, playing to a 1-1 draw at Silverbacks Park on June 6. Delgado put the Islanders in the lead in the 23rd minute. The Silverbacks’ Ansu Toure leveled the score 13 minutes later for his second goal on the year.

Notes

Three of a Kind
Three Silverbacks were named to the week nine Best 11 side: Matt Bobo, Blake Camp, and David Hayes. Bobo and Hayes are repeat recipients of the honor. It’s Camp’s first honor as a Silverback.

Familiar Faces
Puerto Rico was the opposition for the last Silverbacks home match on June 6. The two clubs played to a 1-1 draw. Ansu Toure scored for the Silverbacks.

A Good Week
It's been a good week for David Hayes: At Portland he made his 100th appearance for the Silverbacks. He is only the third player in club history to do so, along with Iggy Moleka and Rodrigo Rios. Immediately following his 100th appearance he returned home to be with his wife while she delivered the couple's first. After dealing with minor complications, Hayes became the proud father of a baby girl. Both baby and mother are healthy and happy.

Going Fast
Tickets are still available for the Silverbacks three international friendlies in July at Silverbacks Park. The Silverbacks face Mexican powerhouse and current CONCACAF champions C.F. Pachuca Wednesday, July 9, super-club C.A. Independiente from Argentina Saturday, July 12, and current Honduran champs Olimpia, Saturday, July 19 in a tribute match to former Silverback and Olimpia great Alex Pineda-Chacon. Call 866-GO-BACKS or go to www.atlantasilverbacks.com for tickets.

Next Up
The Silverbacks remain at home, hosting the Portland Timbers next Saturday, June 28 at Silverbacks Park. Kick off is at 7:55.

Availability Report

Injury:
Mike Ambersley (knee)—Out for season
Warren Ukah (knee)—Out for season

Suspensions:
None