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For those fans who braved the Friday night weather and waited for the delayed start of the Tampa Bay Hellenic versus the Atlanta Silverbacks, the game certainly was worth the wait.
 These two teams proved on the field why they hold the first and second place in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. After the lightning detector at Ed Radice field in Tampa gave the go ahead for the teams to take the field, both teams came out battling. The first half saw both teams with some chances, with Atlanta having the better of the opportunities, but Hellenic keeper, Mallori Lofton-Malachi , was up to the challenge, and the teams entered halftime tied 0-0.
The second half started with the Hellenic subbing in recent team addition Stacy Bishop, and within three minutes, she had her first shot at the goal. She connected on a Rachel Fell free kick and her header careened off the crossbar, missing the go-ahead goal by only a few inches. The second half provided just as much excitement as the first, and both teams were once again giving it everything they had. It was an extremely physical game, and both teams had to make subs due to injuries. In the 79th minute, a foul was awarded to the Hellenic at about 22 yards out, and Bishop lined up to take the shot. Her free kick was perfectly executed, as it went over the wall and dipped down just out of the reach of Atlanta goalkeeper Michelle Betos, giving the Hellenic a 1-0 lead. The game continued at a frantic pace, with both teams having opportunities to score, but neither team capitalizing. The best chance for the night for the Silverbacks came when the Hellenic goalkeeper came out of her box and missed her save leaving the goal wide open. Fortunately for the Hellenic, defender Ashley Eason placed herself perfectly on the goal line to head away the ensuing Atlanta shot, keeping them off the scoreboard. Even with the win, the Hellenic remain in second place behind the Silverbacks, with the Charlotte Lady Eagles nipping at their heels. Come join the Hellenic this Friday night (July 3) for their last home appearance of the year when they play Richmond Kickers Destiny at 7pm at Ed Radice Park as they try to keep their second place position in the division.
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