LAST MATCHUP
Two days removed from a soggy 1-1 draw in Birmingham, the Silverbacks hosted the Jesters in Atlanta on Saturday, July 1st. Weather would play a part that day as well, as torrential storms led to a delayed kickoff. Once finally underway, the Silverbacks began writing a familiar script: dominate possession, create multiple scoring chances, and fail to capitalize. On script again, Atlanta struck first. Captain Mitch Garcia struck a lob from the edge of the 18-yard box that found its way to the back of the net just before the halftime break. Unfortunately, the 1-0 lead continued to haunt Atlanta. Jesters star forward Jon Evans struck in the 53rd minute to level the match. The deeper into the match they went, the more in control New Orleans became. Evans found the back of the net again in the 84th minute and the Jesters handed the ‘Backs their fourth loss of the season.
PLAYER TO WATCH
We at atlantasilverbacksfc.com were particularly proud that our player to watch on Tuesday was the man of the match. That is the kind of success we are looking for in Match Previews. Joao Johanning Mora, like many others, failed to convert on a few scoring chances against Asheville. He, however, managed to break through with a rocket of a goal in the 68th minute to give Atlanta the win.
It’s another star-caliber player to watch this time around. Like Tuesday, veteran leadership will be important in guiding this club to a win and a berth in the Conference Final. But our player to watch is young forward Keka. He came on the scene in early June and was on fire. Like Joao, he slowly saw his offensive game sputter. His speed, quickness, and creativity can give opposing backlines a headache, and Kamara also missed both regular season matches against the Jesters. Look for Keka to provide an offensive spark, even if its off the bench, Friday night in the bayou.
BRACKET IMPLICATIONS
For Atlanta – Once again, the tables do not matter. It’s simple for both squads: win and advance to the Conference Final on Saturday night. The Silverbacks hope to continue their revenge tour after they upended Asheville, who garnered four of six points from Atlanta in the regular season. New Orleans took all six points this year, so the ‘Backs look to take the one that counts.
For New Orleans – Once again, the tables do not matter. It’s simple for both squads: win and advance to the Conference Final on Saturday night. The undefeated squad is, and should be, favored to win Friday and Saturday at home. This is a team that can threaten for the South Region title.
AROUND THE LEAGUE
After knocking off the vaunted Chattanooga FC at Fort Finlay Tuesday night, Inter Nashville FC travels to New Orleans to face Knoxville Force in the other NPSL Southeast Conference Semifinal. The all-Tennessee matchup is sure to be an interesting one, as the newcomers from Nashville seem to do know wrong. Look for an exciting match at 3:00 PM CT Friday.
Stay tuned to Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more Silverbacks information and travel tips for the city of New Orleans. Friday’s match against the Jesters will be streamed live at our MyCujoo channel Friday at 8:00 PM EST.
We hope to see red and black in the stands on Friday, and even Saturday night (hopefully), in the Big Easy!
