The Atlanta Silverbacks continued to the "script," last weekend, and won decisevely just after going down soundly in recent games. However, there is reason to hope that the inconsistency is over for good. Atlanta swept the Tennessee Rhythm in a home-and-home series last friday and saturday, winning the first game 4-1 and the second 6-1. So there is hope, and Atlanta finds themselves right back in position to make the playoffs, but the real test lies ahead, in the final month of the season.
Both games were solid ones for Atlanta, the 4-1 victory was by far Atlanta's best road win of the year. Patrick Beech scored one, while Iggy Moleka netted two and Junuz Coralic scored his first of the season in the 87th minute. Then, on Saturday, Brian Piesner came in as a sub in the 40th minute and went on to score two goals, meanwhile Ze Rodrigues scored his first of the year and Moleka and Beech had one a piece, Coralic scored for the second straight game. They left the weekend with ten points in two games, raising there record to 10-8-3 for the season and jumping over Raleigh into the 6th playoff spot of 8. Raleigh got a 5-2 win giving them points on Sunday over Long Island but that still leaves them five behind the Silverbacks.
It is obvious that Atlanta lives and dies the midfield, they are still yet to lose a game in which the midfielders have score. And they also tend to be winning the games by a sizable margin when they do as well. Atlanta also seems to be adjusting in the back without once starting keeper Tony Roberts. David Winner has been signed for the rest of the year and has looked solid lately.
Although Atlanta looks to be a safe choice for the playoffs, their final month schedule is grueling, many of their games are against playoff teams. First, the Silverbacks travel to Charleston on August 12th, it's a big match and is also a Southern Derby Match (Which has Raleigh, Charleston and Atlanta all with three points apiece,) then the next week Atlanta travels to play Hampton Roads, Roads, once leading the Atlantic Division, now finds itself to get the final playoff spot. The next night they travel to face the Atlantic Division and Eastern Conferences best team, the Richmond Kickers. But it doesnt end there, the Silverbacks then return home to face Charleston again, then they finish off an easier game against the Toronto Lynx to finish their season.
Regardless of the fact that they are looking good for the playoffs now, the Silverbacks will probably have to win at least half of their last few games to have a realistic chance to make the playoffs. There is also chance, that they could overthrow the Hershey Wildcats who are only two points ahead of them in the first wildcard spot. They might be able to pass Charleston for second place in the division, its unlikely. However, if the Silverbacks find Doctor Jeckyll to show up for the games rather than Mr Hide, anything is possible for them.
