Saturday July 26, 2008
Atlanta – The second match of the Eastern Conference semifinals saw the host Atlanta Silverbacks face off against the Long Island Rough Riders.  The Silverbacks were looking to continue their undefeated season and break the momentum of the Rough Riders who beat the Boston Renegades on Wednesday night to earn a place in the conference tournament.  From the beginning, the match was a back and forth affair, but no one could get on the board.  It was a sharp contrast to the first semifinal match that saw a total of eleven goals.

Atlanta had a chance in the 37th minute during two successive corner kicks, but they were unable to convert either opportunity.  As the half progressed, the Silverbacks continued to press down the field, but they were unable to place any of their shots past the frequently tested Long Island ‘keeper.  At the end of the half, the Rough Riders made a rare foray into the Silverbacks’ end of the field, but it proved unsuccessful.  The teams went to the locker rooms stuck in a 0-0 tie.

The Silverbacks got the lone goal of the night in the 51st minute off a ball that was pounded by Christine Latham.  Lindsey Patterson passed the ball back to Melanie Schneider for the cross and Latham’s rocket hit the cross bar, went straight down, and just crossed the line.

The duo of Latham and Sarah Steinmann continued to put pressure on the Long Island goalkeeper, but they were unable to generate the offensive firepower that Silverbacks fans have grown accustomed to.  The Rough Riders got a few opportunities and looked to threaten on a free kick outside the box, but the shot flew far over the post.

The Silverbacks had a promising opportunity when Latham streaked toward a ball down the right flank and crossed to Steinmann who missed the ball to the left.  Krista Bobo came sprinting through for the follow up, but she was unable to put the ball on goal.

Long Island had another free kick outside the box off a Monica Buff yellow card, but the shot was saved by Silverbacks ‘keeper, Ashley Phillips.

Both teams continued to fight hard as the Silverbacks looked to increase their lead and the Rough Riders pushed for the equalizer.  Tempers flared in the 82nd minute and the Rough Rider’s coach, John Fitzgerald, was ejected from the game.

During the 87th minute, Sarah Steinmann appeared to have a breakaway, but she was called back by the center official, who ruled her offside.  The Silverbacks continued to pepper shots at the goal, but they were unable to get on the board again.  The match ended in a 1-0 victory for the Silverbacks who will be back on the field tomorrow night as they look to claim the Eastern Conference title.

The much anticipated game is a rematch of the 2007 W-League Championship match in which the Freedom defeated the Silverbacks 3-1.  Silverbacks head coach Tony Anglin is looking forward to the rematch with the Freedom.  He feels that the team is “better equipped this year and we’ll be fine as long as we remain defensively strong.”  Both teams will be fighting for the chance to travel to Virginia Beach, VA for the W-League final four.

The Eastern Conference Championship game kicks off at 8pm Saturday night and will see the host Silverbacks face the Washington Freedom at Atlanta Silverbacks Park.  Tickets are only $15 and will be available at the stadium beginning at 6pm.  For further information, visit www.atlantasilverbacks.com or call 1-866-GOBACKS.