NASL FC Edmonton

Eddies Earn First Three Points of the 2015 Season

Published on April 19, 2015 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
FC Edmonton News Release


FC Edmonton vs. Fort Lauderdale Strikers
FC Edmonton vs. Fort Lauderdale Strikers
(FC Edmonton)

EDMONTON, AB (April 19, 2015) - Three goals and three points as FC Edmonton got their first win of the North American Soccer League (NASL) season by defeating Fort Lauderdale Strikers 3-2 at Clarke Field in a match presented by Boardwalk Rental Communities.

Sainey Nyassi and Ritchie Jones combined to put the Eddies up 1-0 seven minutes in. Nyassi, with an excellent bit of skill and quickness, got behind Fort Lauderdale's defence, he found Jones running towards the net for the tap in to make it 1-0 for FC Edmonton.

The Eddies' early lead would not last long. In the 20th minute, Marlon Freitas found Dani Sánchez inside the Eddies 18-yard box and shot the ball hard and high with his left foot to tie the game at 1-1. Five minutes later José Angulo volleyed a shot against the bar to almost give the Strikers the lead.

FC Edmonton had the opportunity to take go in front right before halftime when Nyassi was fouled just inside the box. Frank Jonke shot the penalty to his left, but Meves saved it to keep the score tied at 1-1 after 45 minutes.

"I still believe that we can go on to win this game," said FC Edmonton head coach Colin Miller moments after the whistle. "We created a number of very good chances."

The Strikers' were able to take the lead 63 minutes in when Eddies' goalkeeper Matt VanOekel was unable to hold on to a shot from distance. This allowed Leo Moura to tap the ball into the back of the net to make it 2-1 for the visiting team.

The Eddies tied the match 2-2 in the 75th minute. Off a FC Edmonton corner kick, Nyassi hit the ball into the net with a sharp strike to tie the game up and earn himself his first goal of the season.

It was not over for FC Edmonton. Five minutes later, Ameobi finished an excellent cross from Lance Laing on the left wing to give the Eddies the 3-2 lead and eventually the full three points.

"All three substitutions contributed to us winning the game," said Miller. "It was a terrific team performance."

FC Edmonton fans can continue to celebrate the Eddies victory tomorrow at Pizza 73 locations across Edmonton. With a valid April 19 match day ticket, fans can receive a free nine-inch pepperoni or cheese pizza.

Although FC Edmonton have a bye week in the NASL, they kick off their Amway Canadian Championship campaign on Wednesday, April 22 (5:30 p.m. MT KO) against Ottawa Fury FC. Fans can watch the match at FC Edmonton's viewing party at Wild Wing in Sherwood Park. Tickets are available for the return leg on Wednesday, April 29 (8:00 p.m. MT KO).

BREAKING NEWS: FC Edmonton's John Smits returns to Montreal Impact in a short-term loan. More information on www.fcedmonton.com.

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FC Edmonton vs. Fort Lauderdale Strikers
FC Edmonton vs. Fort Lauderdale Strikers
   



North American Soccer League Stories from April 19, 2015


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