NASL FC Edmonton

Eddies Earn Road Point in Indy

September 13, 2014 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
FC Edmonton News Release


INDIANAPOLIS, IN (September 13, 2014) - FC Edmonton, in search of another three points to continue their winning ways, took on Indy Eleven on Saturday evening and played to a 1-1 draw at the end of 90 minutes at Carroll Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The Eddies were forced to make some changes to the team's usual starting line-up with Cristian Raudales and Eddie Edward sitting this match out after earning red cards last weekend against San Antonio. In their place, Mallan Roberts made his first FC Edmonton start since the side's 6-1 victory over Carolina RailHawks in the NASL Spring Season. Midfield duo Neil Hlavaty and Milton Blanco also started in the centre of the field to replaced Raudales and Ritchie Jones.

The visiting team started off brightly with some great build-up play. Eddie defender Beto Navarro had an early chance with a back heel flick off a corner kick, but Indy's "˜keeper Kristian Nicht did well to make the save.

Indy Eleven drew the first blood of the match in the 16th minute after Eddies "˜keeper John Smits bobbled a save and Indy midfielder Victor Pineda did well to run onto the ball and score the first goal of the match.

FC Edmonton answered in the 25th minute after Chad Burt drew a foul on the edge of the 18-yard box and FCE's Hlavaty sent in a brilliant free kick that was just out of Nicht's reach to scrape the inside of the Indy's side netting.

After 45 minutes, the Eddies were level with Indy Eleven at 1-1.

"It was a fabulous goal by Neil," said FC Edmonton head coach Colin Miller. "I thought we were deserving of the tie at half-time. It was a poor goal for us to give away and I think at times we're trying to be too fancy, but overall I'm very pleased."

The second half once again started well for the Eddies. In the 52nd minute midfielder Lance Laing found plenty of open space down the left side of the pitch. Laing cross found Hlavaty in the box, but the central midfielder's touch let him down and Nicht had an easy save.

Nicht continued to stand up strong between the posts for Indy and he made a number of important saves to keep the home side in the match. One of which came off of another Hlavaty free kick at the edge of the box. Hlavaty's shot was heading for the bottom corner of the Indy net, but Nicht got down well to make the save and deny a second Eddies goal.

Even with some late pressure from the Eleven, the Eddies defended well to keep their 1-1 draw and earn a point on the road. FC Edmonton and Indy Eleven split the season series with four points each after three matches against each other in 2014.

"In the second half we had to defend a bit deeper, but overall I'm very pleased," said Miller at the end of the match. "I thought it was a great game with both teams trying to win. It could prove to be a very valuable point for us in the end."

FC Edmonton now return to Edmonton for the team's next two home matches. The first of which is on Sunday, September 21 (2:00 p.m. MT KO) against Tampa Bay Rowdies in a match presented by Crosstown Auto. The match will also be supporting the Canadian Armed Forces. Limited seating is available for the match and tickets can still be purchased by calling 780.700.2600 or by going online at fcedmonton.com.

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North American Soccer League Stories from September 13, 2014


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