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Canadian Internationals Ledgerwood, De Guzman, De Jong Set to Meet as Opponents for First Time

April 21, 2016 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
FC Edmonton News Release


Canadian Internationals Nik Ledgerwood, Julian de Guzman and Marcel de Jong
Canadian Internationals Nik Ledgerwood, Julian de Guzman and Marcel de Jong
(FC Edmonton)

One of the most intriguing storylines ahead of FC Edmonton's 2016 North American Soccer League (NASL) all-Canadian clash between the Eddies and Ottawa Fury FC this Sunday at Clarke Field features the potential meeting of Canadian internationals Nik Ledgerwood, Julian de Guzman and Marcel de Jong as opponents for the first time.

Should the storyline unfold, it will be the Canadian Derby debut for both Legerwood and de Jong, who signed with the Eddies and Fury, respectively, this past offseason. Ledgerwood spent nearly the entirety of his 13-year professional career overseas in Germany prior to signing with the Eddies, while de Jong arrives from a stint with Major League Soccer's (MLS) Sporting Kansas City after half a decade with Bundesliga's FC Ausburg. De Guzman is entering his second year with the Fury, with Bundesliga, La Liga and MLS all a part of his football résumé. de Guzman also holds the all-time record for appearances with the Canadian program.

"Marcel, Julian and myself have been teammates and friends for well over a decade," Ledgerwood explained. "When it comes to Sunday's match, however, all bets are off. It will be good to see the guys, but my main focus once the whistle blows is getting our first win of the season."

FC Edmonton head coach Colin Miller is more than aware of what both de Guzman and de Jong bring to the Fury, and the NASL.

"Both Julian and Marcel are excellent pros," Miller said. "Both players are great ambassadors for youngsters coming through the system at each club. Julian's career has been fantastic. I've had the privilege of coaching him first hand, he's been the captain of the national team when I was in charge. Marcel was very consistent as a full back so I'm very familiar with both players and I rate them both very highly. They are great signings and great players for our league."

Sunday's derby is significant for both sides. The Eddies and Fury are both searching for their first win of 2016 heading into this weekend. A victory and three points would see the victor leap back into the mix as the NASL Spring Season hits the midway point.

This weekend's action at Clarke Field kicks off on April 24, as Canadian rival and 2015 NASL runner-up Ottawa Fury FC arrive for a pivotal NASL match up that will also act as a 2016 Amway Canadian Championship preview. Kick-off on Sunday is set for 2:00 p.m. Tickets and more information are available by clicking HERE or by visiting www.fcedmonton.com.





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Canadian Internationals Nik Ledgerwood, Julian de Guzman and Marcel de Jong
Canadian Internationals Nik Ledgerwood, Julian de Guzman and Marcel de Jong

  

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