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NASL FC Edmonton

Armada Sink Eddies in Opening Match of Season

April 4, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
FC Edmonton News Release


FC Edmonton vs. Jacksonville Armada
FC Edmonton vs. Jacksonville Armada
(FC Edmonton)

JACKSONVILLE, FL. - FC Edmonton were unable to overcome an early goal in their North American Soccer League (NASL) Season Opener on April 4 against Jacksonville Armada FC, dropping a 3-1 decision at EverBank Field in Jacksonville, Fl. in front of an NASL record-breaking 16,164 fans.

Midfielder Ritchie Jones tallied the lone goal in 54th minute for Edmonton. For the home side, Armada striker Jemal Johnson struck in the opening minute of the game before captain Alhassane Keita and Marcos Flores struck late in the 43rd and 45th minutes, respectively.

It wasn't the start the Eddies were hoping for, with Johnson immediately taking the ball to the top of the 18-yard box before firing an arcing shot that sailed past Edmonton goalkeeper Matt VanOekel and into the back of the net for the early 1-0 advantage in the 12th second of play. The goal set a modern day NASL record for the fastest goal in league history.

Despite falling behind early, Edmonton pressed forward in the following minutes, with Jones nearly converting a free kick opportunity that would sail just over the bar.

Following their free kick, Edmonton's Frank Jonke found himself receiving the ball behind Fabrico Ortiz, forcing the defender to pull the second-year striker to the ground. Armada were lucky to avoid a red card with Jonke looking poised to break in clear to the goal before the infraction. The ensuing free kick was unable to penetrate Armada's defensive wall.

Jacksonville's Keita provided his side with several opportunities to double their lead throughout the latter stages of the half, being called offside on two occasions before finally receiving a putting a quality shot just wide in the 35th minute.

Keita would convert in the 43rd minute, striking a low hard shot from just outside the 18-yard-box to double up the lead.

In the dying moments of added time, the home team increased their lead to three. Aiming to beat the referees whistle to end the first half, a quick throw-in found Bochy Hoyos. The midfielder worked the ball quickly to the touch line before sending a perfect cross to midfielder Flores who redirected a header into the net at 45 minutes to stun the visiting Edmonton squad.

The teams would head into the half with Jacksonville holding a 3-0 advantage on the scoreboard.

Edmonton cut the lead to two early in the second half, with midfielder Lance Laing pushing into that attacking third of the pitch before playing the ball to teammate Jones. Jones moved inside the six yard box before firing a low shot near corner and past 'keeper Miguel Gallardo at 53 minutes.

Edmonton continued to apply pressure throughout the half as Jacksonville's seemed content for the most part to defend their two-goal advantage.

A Jonke strike from in close at 61 minutes opened a series of close-calls for the Eddies as they attempted to cut the lead further, but the six-foot-four forward had little room to work with as the ball deflected away from goal.

Less than a minute later, Edmonton's Chad Burt struck a rising shot that would go high over the bar to the dismay of the midfielder.

A pair of further opportunities from Lance Laing and second-half substitute Daryl Fordyce would also fall just shy of their target, as Edmonton conceded their opening game of the season with a 3-1 defeat.

"A tale of two different half for sure," said FC Edmonton head coach Colin Miller. "We started slow and made basic defensive errors and we were punished for it. In the second half we had a much better response. We have to learn to start matches quicker and we look to do that next weekend against Carolina."

The Eddies return home for the Canadian Tire Home Opener, April 12 against Carolina RailHawks at Clarke Field. Kick-off is set for 2:00 p.m. MT. Jacksonville Armada head north to take on Fort Lauderdale Strikers on April 11 at Lockhart Stadium. Kick-off in their match is set for 5:30 p.m. MT.

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FC Edmonton vs. Jacksonville Armada
FC Edmonton vs. Jacksonville Armada
   

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