The Atlanta Silverbacks have practically been the definition of inconsistency this season. After starting off the season with 2 goal-less games against the Charleston Battery (and 2 losses) they returned home to win two straight games by a combined score of 6-0. But then they went on the road and promptly lost to the Pittsburgh Riverhounds 2-1 in OT. The Silverbacks cannot afford to lose again this Saturday since they have two road games in a row after this Saturday and have yet to win a game away from Atlanta. They face the Western Conference's Tennessee Rhythm this upcoming Saturday at Dekalb Memorial Stadium.
The Silverbacks seem to have a found a gem up front to compliment there solid defense, he is Patrick Beech. A rookie fresh out of college, Beech was unable to dress for the first two games because of problems acquiring a VISA. However, Beech finally made it to Atlanta and has tallied two goals in his first two professional soccer starts. After a wonderful goal off his left foot to spark a 3-0 onslaught of the Richmond Kickers two weeks ago, Beech knocked a rebound in to tie the game against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in the 87th minute last week and send that game to OT. But he needs a Striker to compliment him up front. Iggy Moleka and Josh Henderson have two goals between them, but both of them scored those two goals in two goal games. Beech cannot lead the offense by himself and the defense can only hold up for so long. Hopefully, Josh Henderson can knock in some goals or perhaps Iggy Moleka may reassure his status as the teams top goal scorer. Attacking Midfielder Ze Rodrigues has finally recovered from an injury he obtained in the first week of the season, although he has played in the last two games, Rodrigues has just now gotten back to 100%.
However, a main weakness on the Silverbacks so far this season has been their bench. They have yet to have a substitute score a goal this season. Substitute Forwards Stilian Shishkov and Ahmed Mohleydin have been shaky at best so far this season and if the Silverbacks need offense late in the game it will be up to them to replace a tired player and provide some offense along with fresh legs. Hopefully one of the two, or even both may emerge this Saturday.
And thats exactly what Atlanta needs now, an inconsistent team in order to win consistently must find where their strengths and weaknesses are so they know how and what kind of soccer they should play. This early in the season, every struggling team needs answers to these questions, questions that they hope will have them playing as well as they can play at all times. Atlanta hopes to find some of these answers on Saturday.
