Silverbacks Defeat Revolution 5-0 in First Leg of Atlanta Derby
The Atlanta Silverbacks Football Club defeated Georgia Revolution FC 5-0 Wednesday night at Henry County High School Stadium in McDonough. The defeat was the first of the season for the Georgia Revolution (2-3-1), who previously sat atop the NPSL Southeast Conference standings. Atlanta (2-0-2) broke a two-match losing skid and now looks to build momentum for Saturday night’s trip to Greenville FC.
Atlanta was quick out of the gate, scoring twice in the first eleven minutes. Joao Johanning Mora slotted home the first goal in just the sixth minute, followed by “Keka” Kamara five minutes later. Kamara’s blast in the 11th minute was deflected by the Revolution goalkeeper before bouncing into the net. As if the start wasn’t good enough, captain Sheriff Suma collected his first goal of the season in the 31st minute. Kamara was, again, the catalyst as he drew a defender with a great run into the box before passing to Suma. The ‘Backs held a commanding 3-0 lead at the break.
In the second half, the Revolution tried to pressure the iron-clad Atlanta backline, but Abdul Bangura, Austin Rainey, and goalkeeper Theo Blachon did not budge. Manuel Moreno had a notable first start at left back, using speed and procession to disarm the Revs’ offense. The highlight of the night came in the 65th minute, when Mora lofted a deep ball to Kamara, who was nearly dragged to the ground by a defender before shedding him. Kamara decked the goalkeeper and violently finished the decisive goal. Forward Nyambi Jabang capped off the dominant night with a slicing run through the interior of the Revolution defense and burying a shot in the top-right corner. While things remained chippy in the waning minutes, the result was never in doubt.
Once again, it was Kamara providing a spark to the Atlanta offense that had been sputtering in recent matches. He noted that this match could, and should, be a turning point.
“It was very important to bounce back. We really needed this game to give our confidence back after two back-to-back losses, so it was really important to get this win today.”
The team’s confidence still remained, but there was no denying they could hear the doubting from outside the locker room. Their start against the unbeaten Revolution would be key.
“We went out there to make a statement because people began to count us out after the back-to-back defeats that we had. People started to count us out, so we needed to make a statement today. The first ten minutes was really important for us today.
Captain Sheriff Suma did not mince words when he said he felt personally responsible about the two losses to Asheville City SC. Tonight, the captain got on the board for the first time this season and made sure the rest of the conference knew what this meant.
“This is a message to the league. We lost two games in this past couple of weeks. We needed to come together again and talk to each other. We know that we can do something good in the league. We believe in ourselves.”
After a bit of a scoring draught, Suma knew he needed a special celebration.
“I told the guys yesterday in practice that, when I score because it has been a long time since I last did, I would celebrate with the Wakanda.”
On Wednesday night, it was Atlanta Forever.
The ‘Backs continue their NPSL season Saturday night as they make their inaugural trip to Greenville FC. The match is at Eugene Stone Soccer Stadium at Furman University with a kickoff at 7:30 pm.
Contributor: Jordan Coker/Atlanta Silverbacks FC
Photo Credit: Henry G Photography
