NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



FC Edmonton

Ameobi Strikes Again as Eddies Win Fourth Straight Match

August 14, 2016 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
FC Edmonton News Release


EDMONTON, AB - FC Edmonton (11W-3D-4L) extended their home winning streak to nine matches after defeating Minnesota United FC (8W-3D-7L) by a score of 1-0 in North American Soccer League (NASL) play, August 14 at Clarke Field.

HIGHLIGHTS monton/08-14%20Edmonton%20vs%20Minnesota/?mc_cid1ffaa65058&mc_eid[UNIQID]) / PHOTOS (Credit: Tony Lewis) -2DhmKHc?mc_cid1ffaa65058&mc_eid[UNIQID]) / TICKETS (https://tickets.fcedmonton.com/?mc_cid1ffaa65058&mc_eid[UNIQID]) / STANDINGS (http://www.fcedmonton.com/standings?mc_cid1ffaa65058&mc_eid[UNIQID])

Tomi Ameobi registered his second goal in as many matches while teammate Matt VanOekel registered his ninth clean sheet of the season. The Eddies have not conceded a goal in 354 minutes.

The Eddies started on the front foot and nearly opened the scoring on three minutes. Ameobi knocked down defender Pape Diakite's long ball, which fell to Jake Keegan who was about to fire a shot, but Minnesota's Brent Kallman produced a goal-saving tackle to keep the match scoreless early.

As the match progressed, the visitors started to settle into the match and nearly scored on 23 minutes. NASL leading scorer Christian Ramirez found space on the left wing, crossed the ball to teammate Ibson, who fired a left footed shot from the top of the box that curled just over VanOekel's crossbar.

Shortly thereafter, Eddies midfielder Dustin Corea tested Minnesota 'keeper Sammy Ndjock. Dustin cut in from the right wing and after dribbling past two Minnesota players and fired a shot from range, but Ndjock was there to make the stop.

The remaining 20 minutes of the first half saw both teams split possession down the middle, with Minnesota holding the edge in shots on target with five. Both teams would head into the break level on the score sheet.

The Eddies came out of the gates flying and were rewarded for their efforts with an opening minute goal.

Defender Shawn Nicklaw sent a curling cross towards teammate Daryl Fordyce at the back post. The Belfast native volleyed the ball across Minnesota's net to find a flying Ameobi who headed the ball into the empty net for the 1-0 lead.

Ameobi nearly doubled the Eddies lead on two occasions following his goal. Dustin played the striker behind the Minnesota back line, where his shot on goal was well saved by Ndjock. Dustin would find Ameobi again minutes later, only for the play to be called offside.

The Loon's best chance to level the match came off a broken play in the Eddies' defensive third. Minnesota's attempt to take advantage of a wide open net saw a cross delivered towards midfielder Ben Speas. Speas' volley was on target, but was stopped by a diving VanOekel who recovered just in time. Following the play, Minnesota crossed another ball into the box, which was headed towards goal by Ismaila Jome, but Eddies' second half substitute Nico Di Biase cleared the header off the line to preserve the 1-0 lead.

Second half substitutes Sainey Nyassi and Gustavo nearly linked up to double the Eddies lead as the match entered its final minutes. Nyassi provided Gustavo with a cross from the left wing, but the Brazilians half-volley went just over Ndjock's near post. The missed chance proved not to be a problem for the Eddies, who secured all three points with a 1-0 victory.

"It was a difficult game versus a very good team," FC Edmonton head coach Colin Miller said. "We kept the ball better in the second half, which was something we didn't do well in the first half. Credit to the players for playing in this heat, it's not easy, but their fitness levels are very high. I am very proud of the squad, it's very exciting to see what's happening with this team."

Next up, the Eddies travel to Al Lang Stadium on Saturday, August 20 to take on Tampa Bay Rowdies. Kick-off is set for 5:30 pm MT. For FC Edmonton tickets and more information, please click HERE (https://tickets.fcedmonton.com/?mc_cid1ffaa65058&mc_eid[UNIQID]), call 780.700.2600 or visit www.fcedmonton.com.

Check out the FC Edmonton Statistics

• Discuss this story on the North American Soccer League message board...

North American Soccer League Stories from August 14, 2016


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central