PREVIEW | Surging Silverbacks Look To Continue Run Against The Strikers

The Atlanta Silverbacks return home after a four-game road trip to face the Fort Lauderdale Strikers for a third time this season. On their first winning streak of the season, the Silverbacks will look to continue it against the Strikers on Wednesday night

Atlanta is breathing new life as the use of a new formation with attack-minded players is starting to connect the dots on the field. The newly-formed attacking trident of Junior Burgos, Jaime Chavez, and Pedro Mendes is paying huge dividends.

In the absence of Hans Denissen, Burgos has instantly made an impact. Chavez, regaining the confidence that made him the team’s scoring leader last year, now leads the team in goals and assists. Mendes, who has formed a quick and effective partnership with Chavez, looks to be a lock in future starting lineups with his play as of late.

Defensively, the usual three – Paul Black, Simon Mensing, and Rauwshan McKenzie – seem to have finally worked out the kinks in their back line. In the midfield, Kyle Porter and Kosuke Kimura have made solid wingbacks, transitioning from offense to defense with little trouble. Behind Burgos, Josh Hughes and Michael Reed have developed a wonderful tandem.

The Strikers, after bringing back former head coach Günter Kronsteiner, have played well in the Fall Season, too. Before last week, the Strikers had not lost a game during Kronsteiner’s return. Unfortunately for them, the Cosmos struck and the Strikers left New York with a 2-0 defeat.

In the NASL Combined Standings, Wednesday night’s game is a crucial midtable match that could be the difference between a dark horse postseason run or absence from The Championship, the NASL’s four-team postseason tournament. The Silverbacks are no longer only relying on the Combined Standings to get into the playoffs, though. Atlanta is only six points away from the top of the NASL Fall Standings, a position that guarantees a spot in The Championship.

Aside from postseason implications, the Silverbacks are looking to finally get a leg up on the Strikers. Over the course of their three-game series thus far, both games — which were at Lockhart Stadium — have ended in draws. Gary Smith has to be excited at the chance for his side to be facing Fort Lauderdale at home in their confident state.