Thursday July 17, 2008
ATLANTA–The Atlanta Silverbacks return to league play Friday, hosting the Portland Timbers at Atlanta Silverbacks Park. Kickoff is at 7:55.

The Silverbacks (5-4-5, 20 points, sixth place) have not faced league opposition since the club's July third 3-2 win over Minnesota. Since, the Silverbacks have played host to Mexican first division side C.F. Pachuca, and Argentinean first division club Atletico Independiente.

The Silverbacks fell 2-0 in a highly competitive match to current CONCACAF champions Pachuca, and fell 2-1 to Independiente after leading much of the match 1-0 off a brilliant goal by Jason McLaughlin before both clubs made wholesale changes in the final half hour of the match.

The Silverbacks are winless in two matches versus the Timbers (5-6-6, 21 points, fifth place) this season, playing to a 2-2 draw at PGE Park in the beginning of June and falling 2-0 at Silverbacks Park two weeks later.

“We've had some trouble scoring on Portland this season for some reason,” said head coach Jason Smith. “We've worked hard on our finishing over the last couple of week, and hopefully we can get over this hump.”

Of the two goals the Silverbacks have tallied versus the Timbers, only was was scored by a Silverback player—Nathan Knox. The other goal came as the result of an own goal.

Against other competition, the Silverbacks have had little difficulty  putting the ball past opposing goalkeepers. The Silverbacks are tied with Charleston and Puerto Rico for the most goals in league play with 21.

In the Silverbacks last league match, Mac Kandji had two impressive goals pushing his season tally to seven. McLaughlin accounted for the Silverbacks third tally, bumping his season total to five. Kandji and McLaughlin are one two in team scoring.

Portland is coming off a difficult 2-0 home loss to the surging Puerto Rico Islanders. Previous to that was the Timbers win over the Silverbacks.

Notes

Last Chance
This is the third and final regular season meeting between the Silverbacks and the Timbers. The Silverbacks are 0-1-1 versus the Timbers this year.

Goals Galore–Part One
The Silverbacks are tied with Charleston and Puerto Rico (one-two in the table respectively) for goals scored so far this season with 21 in league play. Mac Kandji leads Silverback scorers with six goals, followed by Jason McLaughlin with five.

Goals Galore—Part Two
Along with leading the league in goals scored, the Silverbacks also have the sole distinction of allowing the most goals—23.

Back in Action
Tony McManus will be available for selection after missing the July 3 victory over Minnesota and both of the international friendlies due to an injury he sustained versus Portland.

One More Week
Matt Bobo, who missed both of the friendlies due to a hip flexor injury, will not be available for selection versus Portland as previously thought. It is hoped he will be fit for next Sunday's fixture at Miami.

Curtain Call
Saturday's exhibition versus Honduran champions C.D. Olimpia will serve as a testimonial for Silverback and Olimpia great Alex Pineda-Chacon. Tickets are still available online at www.AtlantaSilverbacks.com, or by calling 866-GO-BACKS.

Availability Report
Injury:
Mike Ambersley (knee)—Out remainder of season
Warren Ukah (knee)—Out remainder of season
Matt Bobo (hip flexor)—Doubtful

Suspension:
None