The Sports Inquirer

by E. Marcel Pourtout, Editor

Behind a second-half goal from midfielder Pablo Cruz, the Atlanta Silverbacks earned a 1-0 home victory over FC Edmonton at Atlanta Silverbacks Park last Saturday.

The victory was the NASL Fall Season home opener for the Silverbacks and the last contest with technical director Eric Wynalda as head coach. Jason Smith has replaced Wynalda and begins his second stint as Silverbacks’ head coach.

“Edmonton played an expected style and was impressed with them,” said Wynalda. “I’m thankful for the chance to coach the team and be a part of this program. We’re making better players here.”

Wynalda will stay on with the Silverbacks as technical director and continue to pursue a broadcasting stint with Fox Sports.

Cruz curled a free kick over FC Edmonton’s defensive wall and past goalkeeper John Smits from about 20 yards out in the 75th minute for the match’s lone goal.

“We started off sloppy but picked it up as the game went on,” said Cruz. “We got better as we gained possession of the ball. We talked about it taking once chance at halftime and decided that I would be the one to take the shot when needed.”

The first ten minutes saw the teams trading possession of the ball seeking control of the contest. Atlanta’s Junior Sandoval gained the first scoring opportunity by either team in the 15th minute with a direct shot on goal saved by Smits. The Silverbacks continued the offensive pressure when midfielder Borfor Carr’s shot went just wide left of the net in the 21st minute.

FC Edmonton’s best offensive chance in the first half came in the 32nd minute when Frank Jonke had a breakaway attempt at goal down the middle but pushed his shot wide left and missed the net entirely.

The road team gained offensive traction in the second half with shot attempts by Horace James in the 60th minute and Lance Laing in the 61st minute going just wide of the net.

Edmonton continually tested Atlanta’s goalkeeper Joe Nasco, requiring the returning starter on loan from the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer, to make acrobatic saves to preserve the shutout. Nasco best stop came in the 83rd minute when Cristan Martinez’s shot up the middle required the goalkeeper to make a diving stop.

“It feels phenomenal being back here in Atlanta between the pipes commanding the guys and it couldn’t have ended any better,” said Nasco. “This is a big boost for us getting back on the winning side and keep going forward with it.”

The Silverbacks return to action this Saturday in a home contest against first-place Minnesota United FC.