Silverbacks play host to Argentina's Independiente Saturday

ATLANTA - The Atlanta Silverbacks continue their international exhibition schedule Saturday night at Atlanta Silverbacks Park, hosting Club Atletico Independiente, one of the most storied clubs in Argentina.

Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. Tickets are still available for the match. Call 866-GO-BACKS or go to www.AtlantaSilverbacks.com for information and to purchase tickets.

"Games like this are good for everyone," said head coach and Flowery Branch resident Jason Smith. "It gives fans a chance to see teams they would only otherwise see in TV, and it gives the players a chance to test themselves against players from one of the top 10 leagues in the world."

Independiente comes to Atlanta as part of its North American tour, which started Wednesday night in a 2-1 loss at the Columbus Crew. Pablo Vitti pulled the Reds to within a goal of hosts in the 83rd minute. Saturday will be the firs Atlanta appearance for Independiente, one of the Silverbacks international partner clubs.

Since its founding in 1905, Independiente had been one of the most successful clubs in Argentina, particularly in international competition, winning an astounding seven Copa Libertadores titles to go along with its 14 domestic championships, the last coming in the 2002 Apertura tournament. The club finished a respectable sixth in the 2008 Clausura season.

The Reds features Colombian Freddy Grisales who joined the club in the off season after a two-year stint with rival club Colon de Santa Fe. The 34-year-old midfielder made 37 appearances for Colombia scoring six goals in his international career.

Independiente wraps up its North American tour at Toronto F.C. Tuesday, July 15.

The Silverbacks are coming off a 2-0 loss to Mexican powerhouse and CONCACAF champions C.F. Pachuca Wednesday night at Silverbacks Park. Leobardo Lopez and Jose Cardenas scored for the Tuzos, to give the Mexican club the Copa Amistad Silverbacks title for 2008.

Following Saturday's exhibition versus Independiente, the Silverbacks return to league play, hosting the Portland Timbers Friday, July 18. Saturday, July 19 the Silverbacks will host a testimonial match versus Honduran champions Olimpia in honor of former Silverback and Olimpia great Alex Pineda-Chacon.

Tickets for all matches are available by calling 866-GO-BACKS or online at www.atlantasilverbacks.com.