Islanders Return Home to Square off against FC Edmonton
July 6, 2012 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Puerto Rico Islanders News Release
The Islanders finally return home after three consecutive road matches to play the return leg of a home and home series with FC Edmonton. Back on Puerto Rican soil after trips to Atlanta, Edmonton and Minnesota. The Islanders will head into this match 2nd in the NASL table with 24 points. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at BayamÃ"n Soccer Complex. Admission is free to the public.
"We are all back in training today and no better place to be with an afternoon of training in preparation for the visit of Edmonton. Both of us will be looking to bounce back from mid week losses and I know my team will be ready for the challenge," said Head Coach Adrian Whitbread.
This will be the second meeting of the week for the competing sides and the third of the season. The two teams played out to a 0-0 draw last time out in Edmonton on Canada Day.
The last match in Edmonton was the second meeting between FC Edmonton and the Islanders this season and the second draw. In April, the sides shared the spoils in BayamÃ"n.
SCOUTING FC EDMONTON
Edmonton have not secured all three points in a match since June 10th and currently sit 2nd to last in the NASL, four points ahead of Atlanta Silverbacks. But the lack of results could be a bit misleading because of the quality opposition they have faced as of late. In their last three matches, FC Edmonton has come up against the Islanders, the Carolina RailHawks and the San Antonio Scorpions; two of the top three teams in the league in terms of points.
ISLANDERS LAST TIME OUT
The Islanders could stand to forget their last time out, losing by a large margin away in Minnesota. It was the last leg of a patriotic road trip where played away in Canada on Canada Day and in Minnesota on July 4th.
BACK IN ACTION
The Islanders received a boost on Wednesday with the reinsertion of David Foley into the lineup. The English Forward was previously sidelined for a mild illness. He has notched 5 goals and 2 assists this year to go along with 25 shots.
BOUNCING BACK
Both teams will look to bounce back from tough losses at the mid-week. The Islanders fell by a wide margin last time out, although they were able to secure 4 crucial points while on the road. Meanwhile, points have been hard to come by for FC Edmonton, though they have proven themselves to be a difficult matchup for the Islanders.
FIRE WHEN READY
Young Canadian striker Shaun Saiko leads the NASL in shots with 47 attempts. Jonathan Faña leads the Islanders with 26. Faña is tied with David Foley for the Islanders lead in shots on goal with 15.
STANDING ALONE
Islander's midfielder Jarad Van Schaik is the only player for either team, including goalkeepers, to play every minute of the 14 games to date. The reliable midfielder has a goal and two assists to go along with his consistency.
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North American Soccer League Stories from July 6, 2012
- RailHawks look to avenge last league loss on Saturday - North Carolina FC
- Islanders Return Home to Square off against FC Edmonton - Puerto Rico Islanders
- Strikers on the Road to Face Carolina RailHawks - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Eddies Face Islanders for the Second Time in Less Than a Week - FC Edmonton
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