Atlanta Silverbacks News Release - www.atlantasilverbacks.com

Thursday, May 15, 2008

ATLANTA, GA -- The Atlanta Silverbacks return to Silverbacks park Friday to host the surprising Minnesota Thunder. Kickoff is set for 7:55 p.m. The match will be televised nationally on Fox Soccer Channel.

Last Saturday, the Silverbacks (1-1-2, five points, eight place) took to the road for the first time to face the Carolina RailHawks at the formidable WakeMed Park. Jason McLaughlin put the first tally on the score sheet in the 17th minute, tucking a lovely ball from Ansu Toure just inside the far post. The Silverbacks lost the lead in the 29th minute when former Silverback Dan Antoniuk leveled score. The RailHawks then took the lead in the 84th minute off a set-piece played into the heart of the Silverbacks goal mouth. A minute later David Hayes salvaged a point for the Silverbacks, slamming home the equalizer on a near-post blast from inside the penalty area.

Hayes and McLaughlin both have two goals on the season, tops for the Silverbacks. After a one-week absence, two Silverbacks earned weekly Best 11 honors—Hayes and Toure. It is Toure’s second selection to the Best 11 since joining the Silverbacks from Minnesota in the off season.

In 2007, the Silverbacks went 2-0 versus Minnesota, winning 3-1 at Silverbacks Park and 3-2 in the return match.

Minnesota (3-1-0, nine points, second place) is coming off its third consecutive 1-0 win, topping Montreal last Saturday. Melvin Tarley scored in second half stoppage time to give the Thunder the win.
Entering Friday’s match, Minnesota has not conceded a goal in 295 minutes. In 2007, Minnesota only managed to go 5-12-11, finishing last in the league, allowing 35 goals—average 1.25 goals against per game.

“Obviously, they are near the top of the table right now. They are playing really well,” said Silverbacks head coach Jason Smith. “We’re still trying to find our stride. We know we have to come out and play our game. On the attack, we’ve been playing well. We just have to stop bleeding soft goals. That’s something I want to correct before this weekend.”

Immediately following Friday night match, the Silverbacks will travel to Seattle for a Sunday night fixture with the Seattle Sounders.

“With two matches in three days and a cross-country flight, our biggest concern is injuries,” Smith said. “We’ve got some minor injuries that people will be able to come back from, but it could definitely hold us back playing two games over the weekend. Hopefully the legs will hold up after the long plane ride out to Seattle.”

Mac Kandji and Chris Mahaffey, who did not travel to Carolina due to knee injuries, both trained during the week—Mahaffey at full speed and Kandji taking part mostly in fitness drills—and will be available for selection this weekend.

Notes:

Double Honor
Two Silverbacks were named to the USL-1 weekly Best 11 squad following the club’s 2-2 draw at Carolina. David Hayes was named for the first time this season and Ansu Toure earned his second honor in 2008. Hayes tallied the equalizer in the waning minutes of the match, and Toure was cited for his tireless work on the right flank, as well as an assist on Jason McLaughlin’s goal.

Familiar Faces
Both teams should see some familiar faces lining up against them Friday.
Ansu Toure came to the Silverbacks via a trade with Dayton O’Brien, who has started every game for the Thunder this season. O’Brien made 22 appearances for the Silverbacks in 2007, tallying two goals and one assist. Before going to Seattle in 2007, Nathan Knox also suited up for the Minnesota in 2006, netting five goals in 20 appearances.

Unlucky Number Four
All three of the Thunder’s wins have been 1-0 results.

Historically Speaking
The Silverbacks are 5-1-1 all-time versus the Thunder, winning both games in 2007, 3-1 at Silverbacks Park and 3-2 in the return match at Minnesota.

Our House
Minnesota has never beaten the Silverbacks at Silverbacks Park.

The Magic Number
Entering Friday’s match, Minnesota has not conceded a goal in 295 minutes. In 2007 the Thunder allowed 35.

Injury Report:
Mike Ambersley (knee)—Out for season
Mac Kandji (knee)—Probable, light training Chris Mahaffey (knee)—Probable, full training Warren Ukah (knee)—Out for season