Atlanta Silverbacks Press Release - www.atlantasilverbacks.com

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

ATLANTA, GA - The Atlanta Silverbacks U23s had a great year in 2008, finishing 9-6-1 in a season filled with exciting matches in a tough division, as well as competing in a great exhibition against some of England’s top young talent.

The Silverbacks were led by All-Conference midfielder Ryan Roushandel, who tallied 12 goals on the year, ranking him sixth in the league. Despite playing fewer games than most others in the top 10, Roushandel was one of just two players in the league to log more than a 1.00 goal per game average.

The Silverbacks also boasted one of the top setup men in the league in Jeff Scannella. Scanella recorded nine assists on the year, good for fourth place in the league. The former C-USA Freshman of the Year will return to play with the South Carolina Gamecocks this fall.

67 teams compete in the PDL, demonstrating the true nature of the accomplishments from Roushandel and Scannella.
The Silverbacks went 6-2-1 at the beginning of the year, before struggling at the end of June. Yet, the Silverbacks U-23s finished the season on a high note, winning three of the last four matches, including the home finale against the Carolina Dynamo.

The side also got the chance of a lifetime, when they faced off against Liverpool Academy in front of 3,139 fans. The Silverbacks topped the Reds 2-0 off goals from Tony Madegwa and Shawn Bateau.

Including exhibition matches, Head Coach Steve Mucillo has now earned a 20-8-5 record at the helm, as well as a sparkling 15-2-1 record at home.

In 2007, the Atlanta narrowly missed the playoffs, dropping only two matches in 16 games played, in one of the toughest divisions in the PDL.