Gameday Essentials

Tampa Bay Rowdies (16 pts Fall, 35 pts Combined) at Atlanta Silverbacks (23, 31)

Saturday, October 17, 7:30 p.m. ET

Watch online through ESPN3

Scouting the Silverbacks

Atlanta is one of the bottom half NASL clubs that is still holding on to slim hopes of making the postseason. A win for the Rowdies on Saturday would officially eliminate Atlanta from the hunt for the final postseason berth, as well as Indy and Jacksonville (and very likely San Antonio).

Full three point results have been tough to come by in Atlanta this year, as the Silverbacks have posted a formidable home record of 4W-6D-3L. However, two of those three losses have come in Atlanta’s last three matches at Silverbacks Park.

The Rowdies defeated the Silverbacks in Spring Season finale and Fall Season opener this year, but it was arguably that second half of the Fall opener where the malaise that has hampered the Rowdies in the back of the year first showed up.

The Silverbacks have added some key pieces since their early July match up with the Rowdies. Pedro Mendes and Junior Burgos re-signed with the club after trying their luck elsewhere, and the duo has played a huge part in Atlanta positive Fall Season. Mendes has recorded seven goals and two assists in only 16 appearances and Burgos has notched six assists. Burgos’ set piece delivery has been a killer for many opponents thus far. The offensive reinforcements have also opened up play for Jaime Chavez, who has six goals and six assists after a ho-um Spring Season.

Atlanta has found some offensive firepower in the Fall, but the club is still not above sitting back in matches and absorbing pressure. Head coach Gary Smith has shown a preference for staying compact and hoping to punish opposition on the counter throughout the year. However, the desperation for a win on Saturday could mean that philosophy is out the window.

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