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NASL FC Edmonton

FC Edmonton Suffer Road Loss to Minnesota United FC

April 26, 2014 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
FC Edmonton News Release


BLAINE, MN - FC Edmonton played its third game in seven days and fell 1-0 to Minnesota United FC on Saturday, April 26 at NSC Stadium in Blaine, Minnesota.

After a quick start by Minnesota, FC Edmonton came back with a quick break from forward Frank Jonke who was challenged off the ball by the last defender Tiago Calvano. This challenge resulted in a free kick, which Neil Hlavaty could not put on target.

Possession remained even throughout the half with several chances from either team. In the 38th minute, VanOekel was caught out and a shot from Daryl Fordyce was saved off the line by a Minnesota defender. The rebound landed for Hlavaty to head back onto goal but it resulted in another save from the Minnesota defence.

"I was pleased with how we started the game," said FCE head coach Colin Miller. "We've been really strong defensively and so have they, it will take something special for either side to find a goal."

FC Edmonton finished off the first half tied 0-0 against Minnesota United FC.

As the second half kicked off, Minnesota began their campaign with some heavy pressure on the Eddies backline. With "˜keeper John Smits making a few impressive saves, it also took some smart defending from young centre back Marko Aleksic, who came in at the half to replace Kareem Moses.

The Eddies came back with their own quality chances, most threatening in the 62nd minute off the head of Tomi Ameobi once Jonke sent in a dangerous cross from the far side of the pitch.

It was the home side that managed to score the first goal of the match. It came from Simone Bracalello off the penalty spot from a handball call against the Eddies in the 69th minute of the match. Bracalello made no mistake and earned Minnesota its first home goal of the season.

The Eddies continued to find their way in the final third, but were not able to find a way past VanOekel in Minnesota's net and played out until the final whistle to a 1-0 loss to Minnesota.

"I thought the lads were terrific tonight," said Miller. "I don't think we deserved to get beat. Young Marko was fantastic and he'll be devastated that we didn't walk away with three points."

FC Edmonton will have yet again another quick turnaround before facing Ottawa Fury FC in Edmonton on Wednesday, April 30 in the second leg of the Amway Canadian Championship. Tickets are still available online and www.fcedmonton.com and through all participating Edmonton YMCA locations for $10 for the YMCA Family Fun Zone.

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