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NASL FC Edmonton

Eddies Come up Short in 2-0 Loss against Minnesota United

April 10, 2016 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
FC Edmonton News Release


FC Edmonton Tries to Battle through the Minnesota United
FC Edmonton Tries to Battle through the Minnesota United
(FC Edmonton)

EDMONTON, AB - FC Edmonton (0W-1D-1L) suffered their first defeat of the 2016 North American Soccer League (NASL) Spring Season against Minnesota United FC (1W-0D-1L), falling in their Home Opener by a score of 2-0, April 10, at Clarke Field.

Minnesota's Ben Speas was the difference maker on the day with two goals, while Eddies goalkeeper Matt VanOekel continued his splendid form with several saves throughout the match.

Minnesota opened up the afternoon on the front foot, with striker Christian Ramirez finding himself alone inside the box, but his shot from 12-yards-out was parried away by VanOekel in his first of several big saves.

The Loons continued to build on their positive start, and were rewarded on 16 minutes with a goal. Juliano Vanegas found Speas with a well-measured pass before finding the back of the net with a first time shot.

The Eddies came close to levelling the match just under 10 minutes later, with Ameobi inches away from making contact with a Pablo Cruz cross. Ameobi was at it again on a Cristian Raudales cross, but his header was met by 'keeper Sammy N'Djock, who did well to dive down to his right-hand side to stifle the attempt.

Minnesota continued their push to double the lead before half-time. First-half substitute Damion Lowe outjumped the Eddies defence, but his header found the crossbar. Shortly after, Speas sent Ramirez through on goal with a chip pass, but his half-volley from 10-yards-out was met by VanOekel. Minnesota would hold the 1-0 lead heading into the half.

The visitors doubled their lead through Speas on 55 minutes. The forward flicked the ball over his head and spun around the Eddies defender before tucking the ball under VanOekel for his second goal of the match.

FC Edmonton head coach Colin Miller brought on Dustin Corea, Jake Keegan and Gustavo in the latter stages of the second half in an attempt to bring a more attacking presence to his Eddies team, but Speas' second tally would stand up as the final goal of the match despite an inspired late push from the home side.

"The support from our fans was fantastic," FC Edmonton head coach Colin Miller said post-match. "It was a great day for a game of football too, but it was disappointing that we put out a flat performance in front of all these fans. We are all disappointed and we will be back at training on Tuesday to make sure we are ready for Tampa."

FC Edmonton heads to Florida next week to face Tampa Bay Rowdies, April 16 at 5:30 p.m., while Minnesota heads home for their Season Opener against Fort Lauderdale Strikers, April 16 at 5:00 p.m. The Eddies return to Clarke Field on April 24 to host Canadian rival Ottawa Fury FC at 2:00 p.m. For tickets and more information, please click HERE.

Of Note: Lethbridge native Nik Ledgerwood wore the Eddies' captains armband for today's match in the absence of defender Albert Watson. Ledgerwood came up big for his side on 69 minutes, reacting quick on the line and clearing away a Minnesota header.

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FC Edmonton Tries to Battle through the Minnesota United
FC Edmonton Tries to Battle through the Minnesota United
   



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