The league leader in goals (9) and points (21), Alex Afonso, took just six minutes to tally a goal for the Blues (9-5-4). Afonso received the ball just outside the box, took one stride, and fired a low, skidding ball past Atlanta goalkeeper Felipe Quintero.

In the 28th minute of play, Léo Inácio was able to split several Atlanta defenders and charge toward the penalty area, where he was able to easily score the goal.

Atlanta (5-5-6) would apply more pressure offensively towards the end of the first half, but would be unable to finish a goal. For the Silverbacks, David Hayes sent in several dangerous corners, and Macoumba Kandji had several shots that were deflected as well, but Miami was able to hold off and enter halftime with a commanding two goal lead.

Miami would continue its offensive threats early into the second half when Afonso slammed a floating header off the Atlanta crossbar.

Ten minutes later, in the 64th minute, Miami added another goal off the foot of Sean Fraser. Fraser used his speed to free himself on the right side of the box, and sent a cross to the other side to defender Walter Ramirez. Ramirez played it right back to a wide open Fraser, where he redirected the ball to the back of the net.

The Silverbacks were without defender and 2006 team MVP Matt Bobo, due to a slight injury. Atlanta will look to bounce back with four of their next six matches at home.

August will be a grueling month for the Silverbacks, but a great chance to make up ground in the USL standings. While the ‘Backs played just three league fixtures in the month of July, Atlanta has 11 league games in August.

The Silverbacks will next battle perennial rival and league-leading Charleston Battery (9-4-3). For tickets or more information, please call 1-866-GO-BACKS or visit www.atlantasilverbacks.com.

Atlanta Starters: Felipe Quintero, David Hayes, Josh Bolton, Martyn Lancaster, Justin Moore, Scott Buete, Blake Camp, Tony McManus, Jason McLaughlin, Macoumba Kandji, Ansu Toure
Substitutions: Jerson Monteiro for Ansu Toure (57), Rodrigo Rios for Blake Camp (61), Zach Kirby for Justin Moore (66), Greg Chevalier for Scott Buete (75)
Goals:
Cautions: Martyn Lancaster (31), Tony McManus (33)
Ejections: David Hayes (80)

Miami Starters: Josh Saunders, Eric Brunner, Avery John, Walter Ramirez, Christopher Williams, Jarryd Goldberg, Leo Nunes, Eric Vasquez, Caue da Mata, Alex Afonso, Sean Fraser
Substitutions: Ricardo Cavalcante for Jarryd Goldberg (66), Juan Galavis for Leo Nunes (66), John Pulido for Alex Afonso (66), Willie Sims for Sean Fraser (75), Bruno Menezes for Caue da Mata (84)
Goals: Alex Afonso – 6 (Caue da Mata), Leo Nunes – 28 (Alex Afonso), Sean Fraser – 63 (Walter Ramirez)
Cautions: Eric Brunner (42)

Weather: Sunny
Attendance: 1,800
Referees: Landis Wiley, Adam Nehme, Christina Ibanez, Mark Cahen