Charlotte Rallies Past Islanders
April 2, 2016 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Penn FC News Release
FC Edmonton opened up their 2016 North American Soccer League (NASL) season on the road, earning a point against league newcomer Rayo OKC, April 2 at Miller Stadium in front of 6,416 fans.
Several Eddies made their debuts in blue on Saturday evening, including Nik Ledgerwood, Pape Diakité, Adam Eckersley and Jake Keegan. In net, Matt VanOekel was in mid-season form, coming up big on several occasions in the second half to help his team earn a point.
Chances were far and few between to open the match, with Eddies striker Fordyce sending a long range strike that would sail high of the net, while on the right side of the pitch, midfielder Sainey Nyassi generated several promising looking rushes for the visitors. Despite a lack of direct opportunities on net, the Eddies appeared to be front foot as the half reached the midway mark.
Things changed for the Eddies on 30 minutes, as captain Albert Watson was shown a straight red after taking his marker down just outside of the 18-yard box. After an unsuccessful attempt on net from Rayo OKC, the physical element of the match picked up once again, with Sebastien Velasquez receiving a yellow of his own after an aggressive challenge on defender Eddie Edward.
A rare look on net from Rayo OKC in the opening half came off a long ball into the Eddies six yard box, but Eddies 'keeper VanOekel was there to collect the ball. Neither side would capitalize on limited opportunities, as a physical first half came to a close in a scoreless draw.
Findley nearly put the home team up a goal in the 63rd minute after intercepting a VanOekel clearance, but the midfielder's strike on the open net was just off target. A free kick from Michel less than five minutes later found it's way past the Eddies wall but was met by VanOekel in net.
Rayo OKC continued to press for a go-ahead goal, with Robbie Findley being played into the six-yard-box before having his ball cleared by Diakité. Moments later it was VanOekel coming up big for the Eddies, denying second half substitute Georgios Samaras before recovering to deflect a second opportunity on net from Richard Menjivar.
The 10-man Eddies would continue to battle to the final whistle, opening their season with a valuable point despite playing down a man for 60 minutes.
"I thought it was a fantastic effort," FC Edmonton head coach Colin Miller stated following the match. "I was really pleased with how we started the game. I thought the players responded really well [after having to play a man down]. The work that we've done in preseason defensively was there for everyone to see."
FC Edmonton returns to Clarke Field for their Canadian Tire Home Opener against Minnesota United FC, April 10 at 2:00 p.m. Single game tickets are now on sale, click HERE to buy, call 780.700.2600 or visit www.fcedmonton.com.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from April 2, 2016
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- Charlotte Rallies Past Islanders - Penn FC
- Charlotte Tops Harrisburg 2-1 for First Victory of 2016 - Charlotte Independence
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- Hounds Edged by Rochester in Season Opener - Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
- New York Red Bulls II Topples Louisville City FC 2-0 for Season's First Win - New York Red Bulls II
- LouCity Opens in Front of 7,500 Fans vs. NYRBII - Louisville City FC
- Islanders Announce Signing of Barbados National Team GK, Keasel Broome - Penn FC
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