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NASL FC Edmonton

FCE Fall to Visiting Silverbacks

May 24, 2014 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
FC Edmonton News Release


EDMONTON, AB - There was not much of a celebration at the end of FC Edmonton's Latin Party at Clarke Stadium on Saturday night as FC Edmonton played Atlanta Silverbacks for the first time in the 2014 North American Soccer League (NASL) season. The Eddies have yet to find a NASL victory at home in 2014 as they fell 2-1 to the Silverbacks in front of 2,961 fans.

With the Eddies leading the Silverbacks in possession by almost 60 per cent to 40 in the first half, the home side had the majority of clear cut chances thanks to midfielder Michael Nonni. In the 21st minute, the Vancouver-born midfielder danced between Silverbacks defenders to unleash a shot that Atlanta 'keeper Derby Carrillo did well to stop knowing that FCE striker Daryl Fordyce was nearby to clean up any rebounds. Nonni once again found himself battling in the box in the 28th minute, but his shot was deflected wide of the net for a corner kick.

Another chance for the home side came in the 40th minute which saw striker Frank Jonke running at Carrillo who bravely came out to make the block and deny FC Edmonton the first goal of the match.

"Overall I'm happy with the team," said FCE head coach Colin Miller after the first half. "This is a dangerous Atlanta team and they are very dangerous on the counterattack, so my biggest concern is that when we are in possession that we didn't drift off. But we look comfortable and willing to find that final finish in the second half."

The Silverbacks made the Eddies regret their first half chances as they scored a quick goal off the foot of Jamie Chavez who collected a rebound to score his third goal of the season and give the visiting team an early 1-0 lead.

The Eddies were offered a lifeline after long spells of Atlanta pressure in the 76th minute after second half sub and former Atlanta Silverback Horace James flicked the ball past Carrillo in the to bring the game level at 1-1. But less than three minutes later, Atlanta took the 2-1 lead with a great individual effort from Kwadwo Poku, who took on the Eddies back line to score his first goal of the season.

Poku's goal was the last action of the match as the Eddies fell 2-1 to the Atlanta Silverbacks.

"It's criminal, if we defend like that, we don't deserve anything," said Miller after the full time whistle. "We can't fault the players for their attitude, but we deserved a lot more than what they got tonight."

FC Edmonton will now take on Canadian rivals Ottawa Fury FC in Ottawa next Saturday at 5:00 p.m. MT. Fans can also see the Eddies at home on Sunday, June 8 (2:00 p.m. MT KO) against the Carolina RailHawks in the last match of the Spring Season. Tickets start at just $10 in the YMCA Family Fun Zone and can be purchased at all participating Edmonton YMCA locations.

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