Sports stats

NASL FC Edmonton

Eddies Handed 2-1 Loss in Preseason to Rowdies

March 25, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
FC Edmonton News Release


JACKSONVILLE, FL (March 25, 2015) - In FC Edmonton's second match of the 2015 preseason training camp, the side fell 2-1 to fellow North American Soccer League (NASL) side Tampa Bay Rowdies after 90 minutes at Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Florida.

The first half saw a similar starting eleven to what the Eddies played against Jacksonville United FC. Matt VanOekel started in net with a backline of Eddie Edward, Mallan Roberts, Kareem Moses and Johann Smith. The midfield was made up of Cristian Raudales, Oskar Hauksson, Ritchie Jones, Daryl Fordyce and Lance Laing with the lone striker Tomi Ameobi.

The first half was a very chippy affair between the two NASL sides with five yellow cards handed out in the first 45 minutes. With minimal chances from either side, there were only a total of two shots on net the entire half. The Rowdies lead the Eddies in fouls 11 to three after the first 45.

"We were almost Tampa's best player," said FC Edmonton's head coach Colin Miller after the first half. "We worked very hard defensively and limited them to one shot on goal, which was pleasing. But all the hard work we did in the back, we gave the ball away too easily elsewhere. Overall, it's still early, but I'm pleased with the first half."

The second half saw the same players start the second 45 minutes, but the Eddies made wholesale changes 60 minutes in. VanOekel was replaced by John Smits in goal. Mallan Roberts, Johann Smith, Daryl Fordyce, Oskar Hauksson and Tomi Ameobi all made way for Marko Aleksic, Allan Zebie, Chad Burt, Sadi Jalali, Frank Jonke.

It was shortly after that change when the Rowdies found the back of the net for the first time after a foul was committed in the box leading to a penalty kick. Rowdies substitute Georgi Hristov sent Smits the wrong way and brought the Tampa Bay team into a 1-0 lead.

The Eddies had a chance to tie it up in the 74th minute, but Jones's penalty kick was saved by Pickens to preserve the Rowdies lead. Less than 10 minutes until the end of the match, the FC Edmonton backline was caught out of shape and the Rowdies punished the Eddies thanks to Brian Shriver making it a 2-0 lead.

In stoppage time, the Eddies found a consolation goal off the head of Jonke after a free-kick was sent into the box by Laing. Seconds later the head referee blew the full time whistle to mark the end of the match and confirm the Eddies first loss of the 2015 preseason with a 2-1 final score.

"I think we played much better - we were on the front foot and pushed them much higher. We limited them to their two chances, so we were sound defensively. Frank (Jonke) came on and made a big difference for us and we started to be better and cleaner on the ball. We're still a work in progress, and overall the second half was far better and I'm not concerned about the overall product."

The Eddies now take on the Carolina RailHawks on Saturday, March 28 at EverBank Stadium (300 p.m. EST KO).

FC Edmonton fans will be able to see the Eddies live on Sunday, April 12 (2:00 p.m. MT KO) at the Canadian Tire Home Opener at Clarke Field. Single tickets are now on sale here or by calling 780.700.2600.

Check out the FC Edmonton Statistics



North American Soccer League Stories from March 25, 2015


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent FC Edmonton Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central