It's August 3rd and The Atlanta Silverbacks are challenging the Rochester Rhinos for the second time this season. Atlanta is seeking revenge for the 2-1 loss on the road in June. Jeff Cassar, former MLS keeper for the Dallas Burn and Miami Fusion is playing for his first time with Atlanta. Both teams are entering the game alongside decent records, Atlanta: 12-1-10 with 56 points and Rochester: 13-2-6 with 54 points.
Rochester boasts a reputation for one of the best defenses in the A-league, while Atlanta might be thought of as lacking in this aspect. That figuration holds true and becomes more and more apparent as the game progresses.
The first ten minutes of the match are fast paced, but slow going; no real chances for either team. Then in the 11th minute, two yellow cards are evenly issued. First to Craig Demmin for the Rhinos and the second was for Silverback James Wall. Both cautions are for unsporting behavior.
Three minutes later Atlanta makes the first real attack of the game. Tony Kuhn picks up a through ball inside the box and fires a shot that is taken down by keeper, Pat Onstad. The Atlanta fans wait nearly 20 minutes for the next exciting chance. This happens when midfielder Nate Hetherington, about ten yards from the goal, maneuvers a blind turn-around shot, forcing Onstad to fully extend. He deflects the ball back into the box and disorder bumps the ball high in the air to Brian Piesner's head. Onstad finally controls the ball.
A little dispute in the 37th results in a yellow for Rochester's Mali Walton, again for unsporting conduct. Only two minutes later, Yuri Lavryneno tackles Phillipe Godoy from behind and is presented a yellow for persistent infringement.
The end of the first half finds Jeff Cassar unscathed and lonely, both nets peaceful, and the stands placid.
Half time must have provided a couple of healthy speeches from either locker room for both teams enter the field quite spirited and a little testy. Thus, only ten minutes into the second half, the game turns into a ten on ten. Two red cards are issued when Nate Hetherington tackles Temuc Suarez from behind who in retaliation, kicks the ball at Nate.
In the 59th Stoian Mladenov dribbles down the line and sends a beautiful cross to Yuri Lavrynenko. His shot misses just wide. One minute later the Silverbacks bring in # 8, John Barry Nusum for Velcov Iotov. In the 61st Carlos Parra finds a loose ball at his feet just outside the 18 and rips a shot just over the cross bar.
Rochester becomes the first to score this evening in the 62nd minute. It is the first real chance they have had thus far and they capitalize over it. Forward, Greg Simmonds sends a long ball to midfielder and former Silverback, Lenin Steenkamp. Well received and in good position, he slides the ball to where Cassar can't reach and takes no time to celebrate.
In the 67th minute, Atlanta makes their second substitution for the evening. Iggy Moleka goes up front for Gilbert Jean-Baptiste. Two minutes later, Iggy carries the ball all the way into the six-yard box and sends a cross, which is quickly smothered by Onstad.
Atlanta Makes their third and final sub for the game in the 72nd: Jordy Broder in for Brian Piesner. In the 76th the Silverbacks are awarded a free kick, ten yards from the 18. Carlos Parra takes it and cracks a shot for the top right corner. The post-man is in position and heads it out for a corner.
The Silverbacks finally get to celebrate a goal in the 80th. Phillipe Godoy assists himself with a powerful line drive that scorches the tops of the grass, chips paint off the post and is halted by the net. It is now a 1-1 game.
Two minutes later Parra tries for another when he picks up a clear and sends a shot that forces Onstad to make a diving save. Jon Nusum prompts Atlanta's final attempt to score in regulation time with fancy footwork down to the line. His cross is deflected and the ensuing corner is punched away.
Five minutes into the first overtime, Rochester puts Atlanta away, again by the Rhinos leading goal scorer, Steenkamp. On a defensive lapse, Steenkamp took the ball past all the remaining defenders and chipped the ball over Cassar. And so ended the game.
Atlanta continues to suffer from the lack of organization and leadership. This will hopefully be sorted out before the upcoming road trip against Hampton Roads and Richmond on the 16th and 17th. Both games will be difficult ones, however both could easily go either way. The Silverbacks haven't beaten a solid team since very early in the season. While they are third in the division and hold a relatively stable spot in the playoffs, a win against either of these teams would be a good boost of confidence in which to enter the playoffs.
