Atlanta Slips By Charlotte

Atlanta Silverbacks News Release - www.atlantasilverbacks.com

Friday, June 22, 2012

ATLANTA, GA - The Atlanta Silverbacks Women knocked off the Charlotte Lady Eagles 1-0 on Friday night at Atlanta Silverbacks Park. Libby Guess' 18th minute goal was just enough to separate the two sides in what was a matchup of the top two teams in the Southeast Division.

Playing in their final home game of the regular season, the Atlanta Silverbacks (7-0-1) came out with a purpose against their division rival. The Eagles (7-1-2) entered Friday’s matchup four points ahead of the Slverbacks, but with two games in hand.

Atlanta midfielder Libby Guess, who has been strong all season long, gave her team the start they needed, grabbing the game’s opening goal in the 18th minute. Forward Rachel Garcia poked a pass toward Guess, who dribbled around an Eagles defender and blasted a shot past Charlotte goalkeeper Robyn Jones to make it 1-0.

The Silverbacks Women nearly doubled their lead six minutes before halftime through forward Tiffini Turpin, but Jones came up with a huge double-save on Turpin’s close-range volley and ensuing shot to keep the score at 1-0.

The Silverbacks' defense was strong all night long, thwarting the potent Eagles offense, but the visitors came inches from tying the game in the 58th minute. Forward Macky Wingo launched a 25-yard shot off the crossbar and the rebound was cleared by the Atlanta defense.

Wingo’s effort was the only real chance for the Eagles, who would fall for the first time all season long. The Silverbacks came close to adding a second in the 83rd minute when Jones nearly mishandled a low cross from forward Kristin Burton, but she was able to hold onto the ball.

It’s a quick turnaround for the undefeated Silverbacks as they prepare to hit the road tomorrow to take on the Central SC Cobras in Clemson, S.C. Kickoff is at 6:30 p.m. ET at Younts Stadium.