Despite their 2-0 home loss to Charleston on Saturday, one didn't have to dig deep to find the "diamonds in the rough" after Saturday's loss. The two major ones both came from newcomers who looked up to form. Ze Rodriguez, in his first year in the A-League looked fabulous, and had the crowd in awe of his great skills before he was substituted in the 63rd minute. Also, as expected, Tony Roberts looked up to form and definately has fit in well into an organization who so far has a keeper in the MLS after only one season of existance. Roberts, the #1 goalkeeper for Wales, was supposed to play in Europe this season, but a finger injury caused him to be sent west to America. It was here that he was signed by the Miami Fusion of MLS, unfortunately for Roberts, the Fusion had too many foreign players on their roster and he was sent down to Atlanta. Despite the two goals allowed by Roberts, neither appeared to be his fault, and he also made several top class saves. Danny Care, a former player with D.C. United, also looked strong. Roberts, Rodriguez and Care should be major contributors to the Silverbacks in the long season to come. Even Coach Nuno Pitiera, who told me "it was all about the W's," before the match, looked impressed by his whole teams all around play.
"The effort was there," Pitiera told the Atlanta Journal Constitution after the game.
Despite all these positives, the Silverbacks must focus on their upcoming game, this Saturday, as they conclude a home-and-home series at Charleston. Whether the Silverbacks will start only one Forward on Saturday is up in the air. Josh Henderson, who was the closest thing to a second forward for the Silverbacks until Ahmed Mohleydin came into the game, looked fabulous at times and erratic at others. Don't be suprised if either Mohleydin, or Bulgarian National team player Stilian Stishkov start in his place Saturday. Also, the Silverbacks must keep former Dallas Burn and Atlanta Silverbacks player Temoc Suarez in check. Temoc lit up the Atlanta defense last Saturday with one goal and several other chances that just missed. Perhaps, Pitiera will line up captain Jacenir Silva to mark Suarez at all times.
But most of all, in order to win, the Silverbacks need to score goals. Iggy Moleka will be back in the line up Saturday and probably won't be the lone Forward this time. Look for a more open style of play from Atlanta on Saturday, and hopefully, their first victory of the season.
