Silverbacks draw season finale 1-1 with Ottawa Fury FC

The Atlanta Silverbacks drew 1-1 with first place and Fall season champions, Ottawa Fury FC in the last game of the season Saturday afternoon. After going ahead in just the 4th minute of the game through Burgos, Ottawa's Hassan equalized in the second half. The Silverbacks end the season in 6th place with 25 points after 20 games.

Starting Lineups

Your #Silverbacks squad to face @OttawaFuryFC in The Jungle for the Fall Season finale. #ATLvOTT | 4 PM, @ESPN3 pic.twitter.com/cHb8FNbe5B

— ATLSilverbacks (@ATLSilverbacks) October 31, 2015

Here's our starting XI: (4-2-3-1) DeBellis, Trafford, Falvey, Alves, Richter, Beckie, Gagnon-Lapare, Haworth, Albayrak, Oliver, Hassan

— #WeAreFury (@OttawaFuryFC) October 31, 2015

What Happened

First Half

The Atlanta Silverbacks dominated the first half, keeping 60% of the possession and having 3 shots on target. Junior Burgos put the Silverbacks on the board early thanks to a 4th minute free kick just outside the box that found the top left corner. Ottawa's only threatening opportunity came in the 22nd minute but goalkeeper Steward Ceus was able to make the save at the near post. In the 33rd minute, the good guys had a nice chance in which Predro Mendes latched on to a through ball on the right side, but Ottawa goalkeeper Marcel DeBellis, pulled off a great save. The Silverbacks were unlucky not to go two goals ahead nearing halftime when Jamie Chavez was able to find some space but his shot rebounded off the inside of the left post and rolled into the keepers hands.

No rust for @juniorburgos10 #WelcomeToTheJungle pic.twitter.com/P6EpEoFhZd

— ATLSilverbacks (@ATLSilverbacks) October 31, 2015

Second Half

The Silverbacks started the second half where they left off in the first, dominating possession and pressuring the Fury but were unable to keep a clean sheet when Hassan equalized in the 65th minute. After a couple defensive mistakes the Ottawa man was able to get on the end of of a scrap in the box and poke the ball into the back of the net. Jamie Chavez almost put the Silverbacks back in front after connecting on a cross from the right side but heading just over the bar. Late in stoppage time the Silverbacks had the opportunity to win on the would-be last kick of the game from a free kick just outside the box. Pedro Mendes stepped up to take it after goalscorer Junior Burgos was substituted in the 62nd minute. Pedro was able to beat the wall but not the keeper as Debellis was able to make another fantastic save. The Silverbacks ended the match with 62% possession, 4 shots on target, and 15 attacks compared to Ottawa's 10.

Head Coach Gary Smith had positive words after the match:

"We couldn't have asked for any more in terms of attitude and enthusiasm from the players." - #Silverbacks HC Gary Smith

— ATLSilverbacks (@ATLSilverbacks) October 31, 2015