Atlanta Silverbacks and Hampton Roads Piranhas News Releases
Friday, May 9
ATLANTA, GA -- The 2007 W-League runners-up Atlanta Silverbacks kick off the 2008 season Saturday hosting the 2003 W-League Champion Hampton Roads Piranhas at Silverbacks Park at 7:55 pm ET.
The Silverbacks return the majority of last year’s W-League finalist squad including leading scorer and captain Christine Latham, and forwards Sarah Steinmann and Krista Bobo. The three accounted for 23 of the club’s record setting 38 goals on the season.
Among newly acquired players who will round out the side are goalkeeper Allison Whitworth, and midfielders Lindsey Patterson and Molly Franklin. All three will be in the starting 11 Saturday.
“We had the luxury of not having to bring in a lot of new players,” said first-year head coach Tony Anglin, who served as an assistant in 2007. “The players we have added are quality. What we do have this year is much more depth.”
Hampton Roads struggled in 2007, finishing fifth (2-8-1) in the Central Conference. The Silverbacks had little difficulty in the clubs’ two meeting last season, winning 3-0 away and 2-0 at Silverbacks Park.
The Piranhas, members of the league since its debut in 1995, will open their 14th season on Saturday looking to return to the playoffs after three-year absence.
Piranhas’ new head coach Wendy Kotwas-Waddell is looking for good things this season. “With the new changes that have been made so far this year I am confident that we will have a strong and successful season,” she said. “Our new players will add depth and experience to our roster. We hope to make it an entertaining season for our community and fans.”
Returning in 2008 (pending league registration and approval) will be long-time Piranhas defenders Flo Omagbemi Onuja, Mercy Akide Udoh and Katy Winsper. In addition, forwards Chi Chi Nweke, Laura Beeman, Melanie Cobb, midfielders Emily Kittleson, Laura Jackson and and goalkeeper Lindsey Williams will return to the squad. Additions (pending league registration and approval) include Kimberly Francis from the Washington Freedom, Victoria Johnson from the Virginia Legacy, Kim McMullen from Surrey United in England, Joy Nsuguga from Virginia Tech, and Kelly Lawrence from Fulham Ladies FC. Lauren Hollandsworth from Indiana University and Beach FC and Sabrina Lukasik from N.C. State and Deep Creek High School will also be on this season’s roster. Coach Kotwas-Waddell will also suit up as a defender/coach.
The Piranhas had a subpar 2007, but Kotwas-Waddell thinks the changes she has made will work. “We had a talented group last season but as a team we could not come together on the field,” she sad. “We had heartbreaking games but we are looking to improve our record in 2008.”
Following Saturday’s match, the Silverbacks will undertake a difficult road stretch, playing four consecutive away matches before returning to Silverbacks Park to face Charlotte on May 30. The Piranhas W-League side opens their home season at Virginia Wesleyan College on May 17 against Tampa at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the gate and season tickets are available through the team website.
