The Atlanta Silverbacks play back-to-back games this weekend; both are very important. After losing two straight home games, Atlanta is on the road again and they are looking for answers, as usual. The big question the last few weeks is who the Silverbacks' new keeper will be. After shuffling through several in recent games, Atlanta has found a keeper to play for them on the road this weekend. He is the great Bo Oshoniyi. Oshoniyi played with Atlanta last season, and was the team MVP. He was supposed to return to Atlanta this year, but was drafted by the Kansas City Wizards of MLS. However, as a back-up to Tony Meola, Oshoniyi has not appeared in a match this season. His return to Atlanta should mean two wins on the road this weekend, but it is not a certainty. He will need some help up front, particurarly from the Midfield.
Although, Ze Rodrigues and Tony Soto returned from injury two weeks ago, the Midfield has looked hapless. They have been un-able to win 50-50 balls, and have not done a good job in distributing the ball to the forwards. Now however, Soto and Rodrigues should be rested and ready (along with the other Midfielders Josh Henderson, Brian Piesner and or Junuz Coralic). The Silverbacks have won every game this year in which a Midfielder has scored.
The Defense of Guy Norcott, Jacenir Silva, Sylvan Bednar and Danny Care looks a lot weaker after the departure of Tony Roberts. With Oshoniyi in net, they should be able to find some lost confidence that they have lacked without Roberts. They have had trouble communicating in recent weeks, but it's only a matter of time before they adapt to life without Roberts.
Atlanta's two opponents this weekend are the Long Island Rough Riders (Saturday), and the Connecticutt Wolves (Sunday). Long Island is in the same position the Silverbacks are; inconsistent and always hovering around a .500 record. Meanwhile, the Wolves have had an absolutely disastrous season, having won only one game all season. Atlanta expects to get three points in both of these contests before playing the Tennessee Rhythm in a home-and-home series next week.
If the Silverbacks can get two wins this weekend, they will most likely retain their position as the favorites to be in third place out of the Atlantic Division. One win in two games would put them right back where they started, one game over .500 (They are 8-7-2), while two losses would be disastrous and for the moment, take them out of playoff contention. Hopefully, Atlanta's great talent will show this weekend.
