That one late goal in the final minutes of the game left all of Atlanta Silverbacks fans and players bewildered. That one shot, so forceful and taut was the one goal needed to decide the game's finality. Everyone knew it was going to come by one of the teams, but it was impossible to tell by whom. The match up between Charleston Battery and Atlanta Silverbacks exhibited about as even a match as one could ask for. In fact, when the Silverbacks meet the Battery, for as long as I can remember it's always been remarkably close.
The loss cost the Silverbacks, (22 points) the chance of moving up in the Central Conference standings to within striking distance of second place Richmond. In addition, the opportunity to be within 3 points of the a-league leader, Charleston was lost. This game was a true test for Atlanta.
The first half was a series of forceful fouls/dives. Although more shots were fired at Atlanta's keeper, Billy Andracki in the first half, the possession was equal. Neither team dominated the ball. Atlanta had two major chances at scoring in the first half. First, in the 26th minute defender Andrew Restrepo sails a cross over Charleston's defense deplaning right over striker Ryan Walker's shoulder. Charleston's keeper, Dusty Hudock trapped Ryan's shot with his chest and sent the ball out. No more than two minutes later, Atlanta attacked again. Defender Edmundo Rodriguez sent a long ball to Forward Paul Schneider. A magnificent shot is fired off his laces and flies to the upper left corner of the goal. Huddock dives and redirects the ball out of bounds.
In the second half, the ball was concentrated in Charleston's custody for the most part. Atlanta couldn't hold the ball long enough to do anything extremely productive without the Battery's defense booting it up field out of danger. Nearly the whole game, the same story of the two midfields battling to get the ball on the opponent's half, shots deflecting and long clears by the defense continued.
In the 56th minute, the Battery could have gotten the go ahead goal. A Charleston cross skims Jason Annichero's head and lands at the feet of an onrushing Paul Conway. He takes the necessary touches and smashes it at the goal. Billy Andracki is there as always to stop it.
12 minutes later both teams decide to make their first substitutions of the match. Play continued as always until the first goal seen that evening was called back. Carlos Parra picks up a loose ball and finds his way between the maze of Charleston defenders and sends the ball into the net. The referees call an obvious offside.
The game remained at 0-0 until Charleston does damage with less than 5 minutes of play left. Mac Cozier ends up with the ball just above the 6-yard box. With his back to the goal he sends a blind volley in hopes that it will find the goal. His hopes were answered as the ball flies past outstretched Billy Andracki and slips just by the left post.
Atlanta wasn't about to let their 86 minutes of effort result in a loss. They fought ferociously for the final minutes. However, there was nothing to be done. Just as Atlanta wasn't about to lose, Charleston wasn't about to let in a goal this close to the final whistle. Three minutes of stoppage time just wasn't enough. The leering whistle blew to end the game.
A few points of interest were laying in this game. First, head captain and first string goalkeeper Billy Andracki played his last game for the Silverbacks. His talent and leadership skills are heading off to return to Rochester. Secondly, Brian Piesner returned to Atlanta for a small reunion with players, friends and fans. It was great to see him there. Also this was Atlanta's chance to catch up to second place team, Richmond. In addition, the Silverbacks were playing the first place Central Conference team. There is nothing to be regretful about in this loss. This win could have easily gone either way. There's a lot to be proud of in Atlanta.
Man of the match: Billy Andracki
Billy has made extraordinary save after save for the Silverbacks. He has also pulled Atlanta out of a slump early in the season. His leadership skills and experience has contributed greatly to Atlanta's revival in defense. Atlanta will miss him, but Rochester will put him to good use. Good luck to you, Billy.
