Atlanta's Three-Pronged Attack Continues To Shine

The Atlanta Silverbacks scored just seven goals in 10 Spring Season games, but now goals are something the club has in abundance.

Atlanta has already doubled that seven-goal output in just eight Fall Season games, flipping the script on their last place finish in the Spring Season. The Silverbacks currently sit in second place in the Fall Season, five points behind borderline unstoppable Ottawa Fury FC.

The attacking outburst from the Silverbacks has come thanks to a new-look, three-pronged attack that was brought forth by a pair of recent signings – Pedro Mendes and Junior Burgos. The additions in the final third have ignited Atlanta’s leading scorer from a year ago, forward Jaime Chavez. 

Of the Silverbacks’ 14 goals this Fall Season, 13 of them have either been scored or created by the attacking triumvirate. The lone goal that wasn’t? It came on an own goal in a 2-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the Fall Season opener.

“His (Mendes) chemistry with players like Jaime [Chavez] and Junior [Burgos] cannot be understated – they’re all in fine form and feeding off each other,” head coach Gary Smith said. “On top of all that, the new 3-5-2 shape the team has been playing in has given everyone a lot more energy and attacking momentum.”

Mendes, who has scored five goals and chipped in with two assists, was recently voted Player of the Week, helping the Silverbacks (4W-2D-2L, 14 points) maintain a four-game unbeaten run. Chavez has scored four out of his five goals in 2015 in the Fall Season, as well as picking up four of his five assists in the same span. Burgos has added two goals, including a show-stopping free kick in a 3-3 draw (which all three attacking players tallied in) against the San Antonio Scorpions. The Salvadoran international has also chipped in with two assists.

For Mendes and Burgos, this is their second stint with the club, and that has helped them settle into the squad immediately. 

“I think when someone knows the environment already, they take less time to blend in and find their feet,” Smith said previously. “With Pedro and Junior, that was a real helpful part of the process.”

Mendes added: “I came in with something to prove. It can be difficult for players to come into a team that’s already set up, but my mindset was to put my head down and work hard and hopefully the games would show some production.”

With their attack hitting top form, the Silverbacks continue their ascent up the Combined Standings as well. With more goals to blend in with their already stout defensive play, Atlanta is starting to position itself for a berth in The Championship, the NASL’s four-team postseason tournament.

“It has worked out very well up to this point, and although everything is working right now, it can be a long season and we have specific goals as a team – I’m just trying to do my part to accomplish them,” Mendes added.

And as long as the side’s new attacking heartbeat ticks, the Silverbacks will continue to have life with eyes toward the postseason.