Silverbacks tie Strikers to end losing skid

As of Sunday, May 27, 2012
© Copyright 2013 Gwinnett Daily Post

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The Atlanta Silverbacks and Fort Lauderdale Strikers played to a 1-1 draw Saturday night, ending Atlanta's four-game losing streak in league play but still leaving the team without a win in the NASL this year.

A goal from Silverbacks forward and league-leading goal scorer Reinaldo Navia in the 69th minute cancelled out Strikers forward Mark Anderson’s strike from earlier in the second half, earning Atlanta (0-5-4, 5 points) an important point away from home against Fort Lauderdale (2-4-3, 10 points).

Four minutes into the second half, Anderson scored the game’s opening goal. A deflected cross found the feet of Anderson at the top of the penalty area, and the rookie forward blasted a shot off the crossbar and past Daniel Illyes to give his team a 1-0 lead.

The Silverbacks responded well to the Strikers’ goal, controlling possession and testing Strikers goalkeeper Matt Glaeser. The visitors’ offensive pressure finally paid off in the 69th minute when forward Reinaldo Navia brought the score level at 1-1. The Chilean received a through ball from midfielder Ciaran O’Brien, and buried a shot past Glaeser to tie the game for the Silverbacks.

Gwinnett Daily Post