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FC Edmonton

FCE Match Preview: vs Fort Lauderdale Strikers (October 25)

October 23, 2014 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
FC Edmonton News Release


EDMONTON, AB (October 23, 2014) - It's do-or-die for FC Edmonton (7W-5D-4L) when they head down to Fort Lauderdale (6W-5D-5L) to take on the Strikers this weekend on Saturday, October 25 (5:30 p.m. MT KO). Sitting only two points back of a final North American Soccer League (NASL) postseason position, the Eddies must leave Florida with all three points to ensure they are still playing passed November 2.

"This is a game that I've had my eye on for some time," said FC Edmonton head coach Colin Miller. "I thought it would be a really critical game for us. I have a lot of respect for Fort Lauderdale and this will be a real test for us. These are the sorts of games that every professional wants to play in. It's now a test between the two teams to see who can handle this sort of pressure the best."

FC Edmonton's last postseason run was in 2011 - they were knocked out by Fort Lauderdale in Fort Lauderdale after a 5-0 loss. Now the Eddies have a chance to exorcise some demons when they head down to Florida. A win would be one step closer to FCE's postseason hopes.

The Eddies easiest route to the postseason would be to win this weekend against the Strikers and win on November 2 at home against Atlanta Silverbacks. However, without a win this weekend, it will be up to the Strikers and Carolina RailHawks to stumble on their hunt for the final postseason spot. Fans can find comfort in FC Edmonton's tie-breaker records - sitting with a better goal differential than both teams, the Eddies, should everything be tied up after the final match, would advance.

FC Edmonton was able to remain in the postseason conversation after a 2-0 win against Ottawa Fury FC last weekend at TD Place. FCE's Chad Burt scored his third goal of the year in the 9th minute of the match and then Lance Laing earned his seventh goal of the year in the 21st minute to double the Eddies lead. Sitting 2-0 up, the visiting team held on for the remaining 90 minutes to take home all three points.

Fort Lauderdale had the chance to break away from the pack when they played Carolina RailHawks this weekend. After 90 minutes, the match ended in a 1-1 deadlock - a result that favoured the Eddies.

It's now all up to FC Edmonton this weekend. A win and the Eddies have a chance to control their own destiny in the NASL postseason Championship. Although other results could still see them make the final spot, the Eddies will settle for nothing less than three points.

Join the rest of FC Edmonton's fans this weekend on October 25 (5:30 p.m. MT KO) at the Pint Downtown, FC Edmonton's official partner for away-match viewing parties. Bring out your #InnerEddie for chances to win your tab, and more!

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