Photo by Atlanta Silverbacks
By RYAN TOLMICH
Billed as a clash of unbeaten teams, Saturday’s clash between the Atlanta Silverbacks and New York Cosmos saw both sides emerge with their unblemished records still intact.
The Silverbacks and Cosmos played to a 0-0 draw on Saturday at Silverbacks Park, as the Cosmos maintained their place atop the table in the Spring standings.
Making his NASL debut, Silverbacks goalkeeper Steward Ceus led the way for the hosts in compiling seven saves on the night, two of which came in the 88th minute on the Cosmos’ Marcos Senna and substitute Mads Stokkelien.
Ceus’ performance started from the game’s opening moments, as the goalkeeper kept out shots from Raul and fellow forward Lucky Mkosana in an opening 20 minute period that saw the Cosmos dominate.
Mkosana continued to be troubling in hitting the post just three minutes into the second half on a dazzling ball from assist leader Walter Restrepo. Meanwhile, Senna remained a threat to Ceus with long range efforts throughout the afternoon, only to see his shots repeatedly pushed over the crossbar.
The Silverbacks did have their share of chances as well, the best of which came in a Kyle Porter effort that was parried away by Cosmos goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer. Porter had an earlier chance at a dead-to-rights Maurer only to see Cosmos captain Carlos Mendes slide and clear to prevent the shot.
With the draw, the Cosmos remain atop the league with a 2-0-2 record, good for a one point lead over the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Meanwhile, the Silverbacks remain unbeaten on six points, equal to the tally of the Fort Lauderdale Strikers and Indy Eleven.
The New York Cosmos return home next time out for a matchup with the Ottawa Fury on May 2, while the Silverbacks travel south to take on the Fort Lauderdale Strikers.
Go to Amazon and look up “Guerrilla Soccer: The Story of Atlanta Silverbacks FC”.
Amazing how much history that club has.
Glad to see them off to a good start this season.