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NASL FC Edmonton

Eddies Earn Road Point in San Antonio

May 17, 2014 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
FC Edmonton News Release


SAN ANTONIO, TX - FC Edmonton kicked off against the San Antonio Scorpions for the first time this 2014 North American Soccer League (NASL) season on Saturday evening at Toyota Field in San Antonio. After 90 minutes and being reduced to 10 men, the Eddies will appreciate the point taken from the 0-0 draw.

FC Edmonton earned the first opportunity of the match near kick off when striker Tomi Ameobi and Scorpions keeper David Bingham collided in the box after the ball was sent in close to the goal line by Eddies left back Lance Laing. The Scorpions launched their attack not long after in the 18th minute, when FCE captain Albert Watson was forced into a sliding tackle to deny a Scorpions opening goal off the foot of Walter Restrepo.

The game changed in the 27th minute when Eddies defender Mallan Roberts made a reckless challenge and was given a straight red reducing the FC Edmonton to 10-men. FC Edmonton made an early substitution to maintain their back line by taking off Hanson Boakai for defender Kareem Moses.

The remainder for the first half was followed with heavy possession for San Antonio being a man up, but the Eddies defended well to end the first 45 minutes with a 0-0 draw.

"I thought we played well the entire half in all honesty," said FCE head coach Colin Miller at the half. "I'm proud of the players attitude towards the game so far. We just have to stay compact heading into the second half."

San Antonio kicked off the second 45 minutes with the longer spells of possession and consistent pressure on FC Edmonton's net. The match continued to open up in favour of the Scorpions but the Eddies defence were up to the challenge as the back four continued to make successful blocks and tackles to frustrated the Scorpions offence.

The best chance of the half came off the head of Thomas Zahorski in the 75th minute. Fortunately for the Eddies, Smits was in the right place at the right time to make the save.

With the Scorpions continuing offensive pressure, they threw everything at the Eddies defence, but the back line and keeper were able to keep the clean sheet and a 0-0 draw after the 90 minute whistle.

"What a fantastic effort from our team tonight," said Miller at full time. "I thought the guys were so brave and showed so much character and fight in this match. FC Edmonton will not be walked over."

The Eddies return to Edmonton after a two-match NASL road trip with four out of a possible six points. The match was their third of the week after a midweek Amway Canadian Championship loss to Montreal Impact on Wednesday.

FC Edmonton take on the Atlanta Silverbacks on Saturday, May 24 where the club celebrates the match-up with a Latin-American flair. Tickets for Saturday's match start at just $10 in the YMCA Family Fun Zone and are available at all participating Edmonton YMCA locations.

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