Atlanta head coach Gary Smith and his surging Silverbacks head to Carroll Stadium to take on a tough Indy Eleven on Saturday (7:30 p.m. | ESPN3).
Atlanta has racked up seven points in the last four games. The Silverbacks are only five games into the Fall Season and almost have as many points as they did all Spring. New players and formations have developed a confident Atlanta attack, and it’s starting to pay dividends.
Jaime Chavez appears to be back in the form that made him such a crucial part of the team last year. Chavez’s three goals in the Fall Season have now made him the team’s leading goalscorer. Atlanta’s newly acquired midfielder Junior Burgos, who appears to have reemerged in the squad after never missing a beat, now leads the team in assists and has been one of the best players during the Fall.
On the opposite side of the field, Indy Eleven haven’t done so bad themselves. Indy has recorded five points in the Fall and currently sit just three points away from a postseason spot. Atlanta’s resurgence has placed them just six points out with plenty of games to play. The Silverbacks’ match against Indy could be an important one to keep Atlanta flying up the table.
Indy has turned Carroll Stadium into a fortress this season, only allowing one loss at home during NASL league play. Four out of their seven other home games were draws, as well. The team has yet to be defeated at home during the Fall Season, too.
Two players who won’t be participating in the showdown will be Indy defender Eric Norales and Atlanta midfielder Michal Mravec. Both received red cards during last week’s round of games.
Atlanta and Indy are level in their past four matches dating back to 2014. Both teams have only one win against the other, and the rest coming in draws. One player that is surely excited about the contest with the Eleven is Chavez. Chavez has three goals in the team’s last four outings against Indy. With his confidence soaring, Chavez will be looking to add to that tally.