Atlanta Silverbacks Get First Win of the Season Over Faltering Montreal Impact
Atlanta Silverbacks 2-1 Montreal Impact
The Atlanta Silverbacks (1-2-7) set a record on Wednesday night at Silverbacks Park in Atlanta, GA. They won their first North American Soccer League game.
In doing so they finally accomplished what every one of the 37 professional men’s soccer teams in the three North American soccer leagues (MLS, NASL and USL PRO) had done: earn a victory and take the 3 points. In the process it took them 8 weeks and 10 games to do so, which may have made the victory all the more sweet for the ‘Backs.
Atlanta took the lead early. In the 13th minute, Silverbacks defender Mario Pérez hit a cut-back cross to forward Raphael Cox, who slotted the ball low to give Atlanta the first lead they had in any of their 10 games this season.
The goal also broke a drought that had seen Atlanta last score on April 23rd, which was 46 days and 6 games between goals.
The Silverbacks wouldn’t have to wait anywhere near as long for their next goal. It came in the 34th minute when Cox pressured Montreal goalkeeper Bill Gaudette. The former Islander ‘keeper took too long to get his clearance away and when he passed to his right, Cox knocked the ball down. He didn’t have the angle for a shot but squared the ball all the way across the box to the far side where he found Matt Horth. The Silverbacks forward made no mistake from 7 yards out.
The 2-0 Atlanta lead did not last long. In the 43rd minute, Montreal substitute Idriss Ech Chergui crossed the ball to Mignane Diouf who headed the ball into the crossbar which then caromed into the back of the net to bring the Impact within one.
There was a short lightning delay in the second half but the game soon got back underway and Atlanta continued to keep the pressure on the Impact.
Impact midfielder Antonio Ribeiro was ejected in 89th minute after receiving his second yellow card.
Atlanta, who had a season high 13 shots, tested Gaudette several times in the dying minutes of the game. It was clear, the Silverbacks had tasted blood and wanted more.
When the official blew the whistle to end the game the Silverbacks celebrated, many running to the sidelines to share the moment with the many regular Atlanta soccer supporters who had suffered though the drought right along with their team.
The Impact now travel to Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium in Puerto Rico to play the Islanders this Sunday, June 12.
The Silverbacks go on the road as well and will play FC Tampa Bay at Al Lang Stadium Sunday, June 12.
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Well Done Atlanta! It was a long time coming but you finally delivered that baby.
Congrats to Abundis, the technical staff, Boris, Chris Martz and the ATL faithful and espcecially, last but not leat– THE PLAYERS!!!
I can’t wait to tell those jerks on the IMS podcast how wrong they were!
Congrats to Atlanta, and I happily eat crow.
Me three. Very happy for Atlanta and their fans. Well deserved.
I thought Atlanta looked like a different team last night. I only got to watch the first half, but they looked like they were really pressing Montreal… right up until Montreal scored right before the half and I thought “uh oh.”
Glad to see they held on.
I thought Montreal’s defense was a shell of what it used to be. They did have some players missing. From the Impact story: “Four players did not travel with the team: defenders Richard Pelletier and Nevio Pizzolitto, midfielder Luke Kreamalmeyer, as well as striker Ali Gerba. “
BQ-
What has happened to Termenisi?
I think the last I heard he was practicing with FC Tampa Bay. I think. Hope I’m not wrong and it was Ft. Lauderdale. He was working out with someone from Florida. But that was a month or so ago.
The sad thing is I congratulated the Home Office which is located in Atlanta on their team’s first win and sadly the no one knew this team existed.
Which is a little weird since the team has been around in one incarnation or another since 1995. People in the TC may not know about the Stars but they know about the Thunder or at least have heard of them.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlanta_Silverbacks
Great win for the Silverbacks !!! Congrats to everyone in the organization, the coaching staff and the players. And the fans, who kept the faith and showed up in pretty decent numbers for a weeknight game to back a winless team. Happy for all of you.
I am glad Atlanta won. The NASL needs strong teams. I was getting nervous for Atlanta. I give them permission to win the reminder of their matches–except when they play the Stars!