Match Preview: Atlanta Silverbacks vs. Carolina Railhawks

Webcast: NASLLive.com

The Carolina RailHawks aim to remain in the race for the last qualifying berth to The Championship when they travel to take on the Atlanta Silverbacks at Silverbacks Park.  The RailHawks, who currently are two points from the fourth spot in the NASL Combined Standings, is coming off a 1-1 draw at home against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers last week.  Meanwhile, the Silverbacks, who are looking to end their eight-game winless streak, also played to a 1-1 draw against the visiting Tampa Bay Rowdies last weekend.  Carolina has only two losses against Atlanta in 14 NASL regular season encounters since 2011.  However the Silverbacks took the last meeting on August 30, when goals from midfielder Junior Sandoval and defender Ryan Roushandel gave the visitors a 2-0 victory over the RailHawks at WakeMed Soccer Park.

Last Five Games:  ATL – L L L T T        CAR – W W L L T                                 

Recognition:

ATL-Jaime Chávez (Team of the Week-15)

CAR-Nacho Novo (Team of the Week-15)

Stats leaders:

ATL-Goals – Jaime Chávez (9); Assists – Pablo Cruz (4)

CAR-Goals – Zack Schilawski (9); Assists – Enzo Martinez (4)

Series:

NASL Head-to-Head: (14 meetings): RailHawks 9 wins, 3 ties, 2 losses – 29 GF/14 GA (+15 GD)

At Silverbacks: (6 meetings): RailHawks 4 wins, 1 tie, 1 loss— 13 GF/6GA (+7 GD)

This Year: (2 meetings): RailHawks/Silverbacks 1 win, 0 ties, 1 loss — 2 GF/2 GA (0 GD)

Last Meeting: August 30, 2014 at WakeMed Soccer Park — RailHawks 0-2 Silverbacks

Coaches quotes:

“We're going to play the game as if it's our last one ever, going all in to win it.  If we lose, we lose, but we're going to do everything possible to win this game.” – Silverbacks coach Alejandro Pombo

“We didn't get the result we expected last week, but that is not going to stop us from working hard to accomplish our goal of playing and winning in The Championship. It is still possible, that is why we are focusing on winning the next six points.” – RailHawks coach Colin Clarke

Referee: Daniel Fitzgerald

Asst 1: Richonne Clark

Asst 2: Justin Desandre

4th: Patrick Baker