NASL FC Edmonton

Eddies Foil Minnesota Hopes

Published on June 30, 2013 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
FC Edmonton News Release


EDMONTON, Ab. (June 30, 2013) - On the day before Canada Day it was the home team that started the celebrations early as FC Edmonton managed a win against Minnesota United FC Sunday afternoon at Clarke Stadium in front of 2,223 fans.

It was the Eddies who began the game by pressuring the United backline in the hopes of creating turnovers. Both Shaun Saiko and Michael Cox were working hard up top.

In the eighth minute, it was Edmonton that got the first half-chance of the game. Daryl Fordyce crossed a ball into the box. Cox and Massimo Mirabelli both looked like they could get on the end of it but Cox went down and Mirabelli just missed the ball.

It was a sign of things to come.

In the 12th minute, Neil Hlavaty sent a corner into the box, it was cleared back to him and on his second attempt he found Mallan Roberts charging into the far post and the young Edmonton defender made no mistake, heading it passed Matt Van Oekel in the Minnesota goal for his first goal and a 1-0 lead.

John Smits, between the posts for Edmonton, got his first taste in the 12th minute when Simone Bracalello hit a free kick right at the keeper who handled it easily.

It was the Eddies who struck second as well.

This time it was Saiko's cross off a counter attack that found Fordyce who headed it home for the two goal lead.

Lance Laing had another opportunity in the 39th minute, cutting into the box and hitting a right-footed shot that was stopped by Van Oekel.

Just two minutes later, it was Pablo Campos with a break away but Smits was able to make himself big and stopped the chance.

The Eddies looked the stronger of the two teams despite Minnesota still having a chance to host the Soccer Bowl.

As the teams came out for the second frame it was once again the Eddies who had the majority of the pressure but it was United who got themselves back in the game in the 67th minute.

A pass from Justin Davis found substitute Miguel Ibarra who beat Smits from close range.

Cox had a chance to restore the two-goal lead in the 72nd minute but his shot sailed just over the bar.

The Eddies put the game to bed in the 85th minute when Cox was brought down in the box. Hlavaty stepped up to take the penalty and slotted it home for a 3-1 lead and the victory.

The Eddies finish the Spring Season with 14 points and jump ahead of Minnesota. While the other teams still have one game to play, Edmonton is done until August.

Following the game, FC Edmonton released three players. Defender Adrian LeRoy and forward Elvir Gigolaj are free to sign with another club while forward Ajeej Sarkaria will join FC Edmonton Reserves.

"It has been a huge learning curve for me," said coach Colin Miller after the game. "I had to learn the league, the teams and the stadiums. I am so proud of our team and their strong finish bodes well for the Summer Season."

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North American Soccer League Stories from June 30, 2013


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