The Atlanta Silverbacks return to Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg, Florida for the second consecutive league match against the Tampa Bay Rowdies on July 4th at 6:00 PM. The two clubs closed the Spring Season against each other with the home team winning 3-0. The Rowdies sit second in the overall league table with 19 points while the Silverbacks are at the bottom with only 8 points. Despite the low point total, the Silverbacks are a mere 6 points out of a playoff spot.
The Silverbacks have added two players to their roster for the fall season. Japanese born full back Kosuke Kimura, who played for Gary Smith in Colorado, signed this week but will not be eligible to play until the second week of the fall season. He adds some needed depth to a back four that struggled down the stretch. Also added to the roster is Abdul Bangura who is listed as a center back. The 29 year old played almost 700 minutes for the Silverbacks last season and featured for the Reserve side this season. He is expected to play some in midfield as well as his natural position in the back four. Abdul Bangura is the cousin of Shaka Bangura, the club’s leading scorer from the Spring Season.
With five of the first six matches away from home, it is important the Silverbacks get off to a good start. The playoffs are within reach, but that will change quickly if the club is not collecting points on the road. After that stretch, the Silverbacks play six of the next eight matches at home. If the club is to make the playoffs, they must be in a good position when that stretch begins and then win quite a few home matches. Sinking further away from the pack will probably mean lower attendances, which will further jeopardize our ability to attract an owner.
The two roster moves announced so far have been very puzzling and not particularly well received by the fanbase. This team has struggled to score, and as Gary Smith mentioned on Episode 15 of Gorilla Talk, they are actively searching for a proven scorer. Perhaps these roster moves opened up room in the extremely tight budget to acquire a scorer? With Gary Smith’s extensive contacts in MLS and overseas, I’m certain they have their eye on several prospects. Getting someone who is available that the club can afford is going to be a challenge.
The match kicks off at 6 PM and can be seen online on ESPN3.
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