Following Tuesday’s training session, atlantasilverbacksfc.com discussed the dramatic comeback win in St. Petersburg with Silverbacks Head Coach Brian Haynes, forward and goal scorer Ruben Luna, and defender Mike Randolph.
Coach Brian Haynes
Coach Brian Haynes took his team into halftime down 3-1, but he kept them motivated and focused on getting back in the game.
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“Our goal was to make sure we didn’t lose the game,” said Coach Haynes. “I wasn’t going to sit back and try to stay in the game. It was our intention to win it and that’s just what we did.”
“They [the team] showed how resilient they are, and they came out and showed great character to do what they did and it’s a credit to them.”
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Ruben Luna
In his second game with the Silverbacks, former FC Dallas striker Ruben Luna bagged two goals to help his team complete their comeback in St. Petersburg.
“I think the coaching plays a big role. The staff was very motivating, and when he decided to put another forward on, we knew had plenty of time to score goals,” said Luna. “It speaks volumes of our team character. Winning is contagious and the guys on the field and on the bench really want it.”
Mike Randolph
Making his 2013 season debut for the Silverbacks, defender Mike Randolph got the start in place of Shane Moroney. Despite the defense giving up three goals in the first half, Randolph played a crucial role in completely shutting out the Rowdies in the second half to preserve the 4-3 win.
“In the first half, we didn’t put enough pressure on them to make mistakes and they were taking advantage of it,” Randolph said. “But in the second half, we pressed as a team and we responded very well.”
“Coach remained positive and downplayed the three goals we gave up, and he gave us the confidence we needed to push forward and work hard.”
“Before we even started the second half, we got together and Richie and Danny said, ‘we’re not going to lose this game, we can’t.’”
“After we got the first goal, we knew we could do it. We knew we just had to take it one goal at a time.”
The Atlanta Silverbacks will look to continue their recent success on Saturday when they host Minnesota United FC, who won 2-0 against FC Edmonton this past weekend. The game is at Atlanta Silverbacks Park at 7:30 p.m. For ticket information, go to atlantasilverbacksfc.com or call 404-969-4900.