Silverbacks Cruise By VSI Tampa

Atlanta Silverbacks News Release - www.atlantasilverbacks.com

Friday, June 15, 2012

ATLANTA, GA - The Atlanta Silverbacks remained undefeated on the season after a 5-0 victory against the VSI Tampa Flames on Friday night at Atlanta Silverbacks Park.  The win now sets up a showdown with the other undefeated team in the Southeast Division, the Charlotte Lady Eagles who sit atop the division at 7-0-1. The two teams meet on Saturday, June 16 at 5:30 p.m. ET in Charlotte.

The Silverbacks (6-0) got on the board first when Kristin Burton found an easy tap-in goal after a good pass from midfielder Rebecca Nolin. The goal came in the 10th minute and was Burton’s fifth of the season, moving her to fourth in the W-League this season.

The game went 2-0 in the 18th minute when Stacey Baalam finished a beautiful bender in the upper-90 passed the Tampa keeper. Atlanta was given a free kick from just outside the top of the box and did not disappoint, the Flames (0-5-1) gifted the free kick after miscommunication had the keeper use her hands outside the penalty area.

The Flames had a good look off the foot of Cassie Barbaresi in the 35th minute after she fired one just outside the post from about 20 yards out. Connie Organ was all over it, but had the shot been a few feet inside, it may have scooted passed.

It was one of three decent looks the Flames had all evening.

The Silverbacks added three goals late in the contest as the visitors from Tampa started to run out of gas. The Flames had only three substitute players available and used just one, while the Silverbacks used six subs in all.

Rachel Garcia gave the Silverbacks a 3-0 lead in the 79th minute when she knocked in a beautiful ball-in from Tiffini Turpin. Turpin streaked down the far side and bent a perfect pass into Garcia.

They added another goal less than a minute later when Nkese Udoh was on the pitch for fewer than 30 seconds before she made her impact felt. Udoh finished a pass from Garcia and added insult to injury late in the 80th minute.

Emily Dover got her stamp on the game in the 88th minute when she made the one-sided score 5-0. Nicole Hill tapped a pass inside the box to Dover who finished beautifully.

Rhonda Brooks and Bailey Powell were rock solid at the center back positions once again for the Silverbacks, allowing few good looks at goal. Hill and Kansas Bayly were also outstanding at the right and left back spots, limiting any attack from the visitors.

Organ picked up her second win of the season for the Silverbacks, as she did not allow a goal and finished with three saves.

The Silverbacks have a quick turnaround as they travel to Charlotte, North Carolina, tomorrow evening when they take on the Lady Eagles. Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. ET. The Silverbacks and Lady Eagles also play next Friday, June 22, at 7:00 p.m. in Atlanta.