Photo by Atlanta Silverbacks/NASL

By ADAM TROXTELL

The Atlanta Silverbacks led almost the entire second half of their opening game, yet had to settle for a draw against Indy Eleven.

Don Smart converted a penalty kick in stoppage time to produce a 1-1 draw at Atlanta Silverbacks Park. The Silverbacks held the lead in an evenly matched contest after Shaka Bangura opened the scoring in the 47th minute.

Indy and the Silverbacks finished with similar attacking stats, with the visitors only just out-shooting their opponents 10-9. The Silverbacks had four shots blocked by an Indy defense that held on for a late effort.

Silverbacks defender Kyle Miller was called for the foul that led to the penalty kick. Smart, who entered the game in the 71st minute, put the spot kick past rookie goalkeeper C.J. Cochran with minutes remaining.

Indy Eleven hosts the New York Cosmos on Saturday for its next game, while the Silverbacks stay at home to face the Ottawa Fury.