Bermudian striker John Barry Nusum enjoyed a fantastic start to his career as a professional soccer player as the Atlanta Silverbacks won their A-League opener 5-2.

Although Nusum didn't score during the match against the Indiana Blast he did play a significant role in at least one of the goals.

Just five minutes after Gino DiGuardi scored Indiana's first goal, Iggy Moleka began the Silverbacks' scoring spree in the 22nd minute.

Silverbacks' captain and central midfielder Ryan Leib netted the second goal in the 35th minute with a 20-yard free kick.

Both teams were then reduced to ten men, but the Silverbacks increased their lead in the second-half when Moleka followed up on a Nusum shot which had come back off the 'keeper.

Indiana kept the game interesting when Rodrigo Costa converted a penalty kick in the 78th minute.

However, the Silverbacks answered quickly and closed the door on the Blast with Moleka scoring in the 85th and 90th minutes.

Nusum was substituted five minutes from time.

The Silverbacks travel to face the Charlotte Eagles on Friday.

Meanwhile, Timmy Figureido's first two games with the Hampton Roads Mariners ended with narrow defeats against the Richmond Kickers. The Mariners lost 2-1 on both occasions.