The Atlanta Silverbacks men have been called into action against the Trinidad and Tobago National Team for a closed door scrimmage on Tuesday, March 22 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The Silverbacks were chosen to replace the Honduran National Team after the originally scheduled match between Honduras and TNT was cancelled after both teams were placed in the same group for the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
In a unique twist, the Silverbacks will face off against current teammate and TNT National Leslie Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick was called to the TNT squad in January 2005 and played his way into the starting lineup against the United States in a World Cup qualifier on February 9, 2005. Fitzpatrick is scheduled to report to the Silverbacks in early April.
Prior to departing for Fort Lauderdale, Silverbacks Coach David Vaudreuil noted "This is a great opportunity for us as a team and as an organization. While it is early for us in preparation for the 2005 season, this will give us a chance to evaluate the players we have in camp against the highest level of talent. It's rare to have this type opportunity this early in the season"
TNT is in Miami to prepare for their March 26 2006 World Cup qualifying encounter against Guatemala at the Mateo Flores Stadium in Guatemala City. The TNT roster is expected to feature several European-based professionals including Birmingham City's Dwight Yorke and Conventry City striker Stern John.
