NASL FC Edmonton

Eddies Fall Short in 3-2 Loss to Minnesota

Published on August 9, 2014 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
FC Edmonton News Release


BLAINE, MN - Heading into today's FC Edmonton match against Minnesota United FC, the Eddies were looking to pick up some points against the Spring Champions. They fell just short in a hard fought 3-2 loss.

It did not take long for it all to kick off for FC Edmonton when defender-turned-midfielder Lance Laing picked up on an errant pass by the Minnesota United FC defence to open up the scoring and give the Eddies an early 1-0 lead in the 4th minute.

However, continued pressure from Minnesota saw the majority of chances for the home team. At the 10 minute mark, FC Edmonton quickly defended three chances on net with an off the line clearance, a shot blocked and a final save by FCE 'keeper John Smits.

In the 15th minute, Minnesota found their way back into the game after a handball was called on centerback Albert Watson. Minnesota's leading goalscorer Christian Ramirez stepped up to the spot and slotted it passed Smits to tie the game a 1-1 and also to give himself 10 goals on the season.

With the three games in seven days catching up to the Eddies, Minnesota took control of the half, but the visiting team withstood the pressure to hold on to the 1-1 tie after 45 minutes.

"We started off really well and had a terrific goal from Lance Laing," said FC Edmonton head coach Colin Miller at the half. "From then on we've been really disappointing in the possession. I'm disappointed because we've played much better than this, but fortunately, we are still in the game."

It was the home team to get off to the early start in the second half. In the 48th minute Justin Davis sent in a low cross that midfielder Daniel Mendes flicked passed Smits to give Minnesota United FC the early 2-1 lead.

Confusion in the Minnesota backline saw an FC Edmonton cross cleared off the goal line in the 57th minute, but the proceeding Minnesota counter attack earned the home side their third goal of the night. A cross in from Miguel Ibarra found Mendes who curled in the shot for his second goal of the night and Minnesota take the two goal lead 3-1.

Second half substitute Frank Jonke earned the Eddies a lifeline in the 78th minute. Breaking the backline, Jonke's last man to beat was Minnesota 'keeper Mitch Hildebrandt, but the goalkeeper's reckless challenge earned himself a red card and the Eddies a penalty kick. Seasoned midfielder Neil Hlavaty stepped up to the penalty spot and cooly finished the effort for the Eddies to be back within a goal on Minnesota at 3-2.

Even facing a 10-men Minnesota United FC squad for the last 10 minutes of the match, the Eddies were unable to find their way passed the posts to earn a draw. Chad Burt, on his FC Edmonton debut, saw the Eddies final shot of the game bounce off the crossbar as Minnesota gathered all three points from the match.

FC Edmonton return to Edmonton for a week of training before heading off to Carolina to take on the RailHawks next Saturday, August 16 (5:30 p.m. MT KO). Fans can watch the match at the Pint Downtown, FC Edmonton's official host for away match viewing parties, or can subscribe and log in at NASLLive.com.

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North American Soccer League Stories from August 9, 2014


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