Friday June 27, 2008
ATLANTA—The Atlanta Silverbacks look to win its second straight in league play Saturday night facing the Portland Timbers at Atlanta Silverbacks Park. Kickoff is set for 7:55.

(Photo Caption: Mac Kandji's two goals and one assist performance versus Puerto Rico earned him Player of the Week honors. Photo by Elaine Carroll)

“We're neck and neck with them in the standings, so three points will make a big difference,” said head coach Jason Smith. “Having played them once already this season, we know they are a good team. We just have to do little things right.

The Silverbacks played the Timbers to a 2-2 draw at PGE Park on June 12, coming from behind twice to take a point away from the match. Nathan Knox scored in the 88th minute to salvage the draw. The Silverbacks first goal came way from a Portland own goal.

The Silverbacks are coming off a 1-0 U.S. Open Cup at Miami on Tuesday.

In league play, the Silverbacks are looking to earn its second consecutive win for the first time this season coming off a 3-1 win over Puerto Rico last Saturday. Mac Kandji scored the Silverbacks' first and third goals on the night, and also had the assist on Ansu Toure's tally.

The Timbers face the Carolina RailHawks tonight at Cary, but have not played a league match since facing the Silverbacks. In fact, the Timbers have not played since its 1-0 exhibition win over Juventus Primavera, the famed Italian side's reserve squad on June 14.

Notes

Top Man
Mac Kandji's two-goal and assist performance last week versus Puerto Rico earned him USL-1 Player of the Week honors. Kandji is the first Silverback to earn the honor this season.

Golden Boot
Kandji's two goals pushed him in front of Jason McLaughlin for the team's golden boot. Kandji has five goals on the season in all competitions—four league goals and one in USOC play.

Knock Out Punch
The Silverbacks were eliminated from the U.S. Open Cup Tuesday, falling at Miami 1-0. Miami moves on to face F.C. Dallas at Pizza Hut Park July 1. The winner of the USOC automatically qualifies for the CONCACAF Champions League.

Go For Two
If the Silverbacks can win Saturday, it will be the first back-to-back wins for the Silverbacks this season.

All Sewn Up
Following Tuesday's physical match at Miami, Matt Bobo had a gash in his head stitched up. He will be available for selection Saturday.

Availability Report
Injury:
Mike Ambersley (knee)—Out remainder of season
Warren Ukah (knee)—Out remainder of season

Suspension:
None