NASL FC Edmonton

Eddies Defeat Cosmos 2-1 in Thrilling Match at Clarke Field

Published on May 15, 2016 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
FC Edmonton News Release


EDMONTON, AB - FC Edmonton (3-2-2) jumped to fourth place in the North American Soccer League (NASL) standings after defeating the New York Cosmos (4-0-3) by a score of 2-1 at Clarke Field on May 15.

Jason Plumhoff and Pape Diakite registered goals for the Eddies, while Yohandry Orozco scored for the visiting Cosmos and was a constant threat throughout the match.

After withstanding two early opportunities from the Cosmos', the Eddies would open the scoring on 12 minutes when midfielder Dustin Corea found Plumhoff with a long ball over top the Cosmos back-line. Plumhoff controlled the ball before cutting to his right and firing a low shot to give Edmonton the 1-0 lead.

Orozco was lively in the opening stages of the match and the Venezuelan international nearly levelled the match after Plumhoff's opener. Hunter Freeman then found the winger with a ball over top of the Eddies defence but the ensuing strike towards net would go wide.

The Cosmos were rewarded for their efforts on 22 minutes. Jairo Arrieta found Orozco in the box with a low pass that the Venezuelan international handled well before firing a shot into the bottom corner to level the match at 1-1.

A Corea-taken free-kick late in the half from 30-yards out look destined for the Cosmos bottom corner, but New York 'keeper Jimmy Mauer as able to come across his net to parry the ball away and send both teams into the half with a goal apiece.

Corea continued to be a presence for the Eddies as the second half got underway, causing the Cosmos problems on a number of occasions. For the visitors, Orozco continued to lead his side on the attack. The winger put a dangerous cross into the box, which was met by teammate Arrieta. The striker turned and fired a shot from in close, but his effort went over the net.

Shortly after, Ayoze chipped a ball behind the Eddies defence towards Juan Aranago. The Venezuelan international controlled the ball with his chest and fired a shot on target, but VanOekel did well to come out of his net and make the save.

The Eddies were rewarded for an inspired second half of play on 74 minutes. Defender Adam Eckersley curled an in swinging cross into the box off a set piece, which was met by a leaping Diakite with a perfectly placed header. It was the centre back's second goal of the NASL season.

A late push from the Cosmos would fall short of a tying goal, as a stingy Eddies defence would see out the remainder of the match to help secure a crucial Eddies victory-their third win of the NASL Spring Season.

"After a disappointing result on Wednesday, the character that was shown today against a class New York Cosmos side says a lot about this team," FC Edmonton head coach said post-match. "It was a very entertaining game, from a neutrals point of a view, it's a game that would make me come back and watch this team again. I am very grateful for the support shown by our fans."

FC Edmonton returns to Amway Canadian Championship action on Wednesday, May 18 when they face Ottawa Fury in the second leg at TD Place. Kick-off is set for 5:30 p.m MT.

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North American Soccer League Stories from May 15, 2016


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