NASL FC Edmonton

Keegan Registers Brace as Eddies Strike Down Fort Lauderdale 2-1 at Clarke Field

Published on June 12, 2016 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
FC Edmonton News Release


EDMONTON, AB - FC Edmonton (5W-2D-3L) finished the North American Soccer League (NASL) Spring Season in third place with 17 points after a 2-1 win over Fort Lauderdale Strikers (4W-3D-3L) on Sunday, June 12 at Clarke Field. The victory put an end to the Strikers six-match undefeated streak.

Jake Keegan secured a first-half brace for the Eddies to push his 2016 goal scoring total to four, while Strikers captain PC pulled one back for the visiting team in a chippy second half of play.

The Eddies started the opening 10 minutes on the front foot but were unable to find a way past a stingy Strikers defense, despite a noticeable advantage in possession. The home side's persistence on the ball would eventually pay off, however.

Eddies veteran Daryl Fordyce found teammate Keegan on 18 minutes with a through ball behind the Strikers back line. Keegan remained patient before firing a shot past Strikers goalkeeper Diego Restrepo to give Edmonton the 1-0 lead.

The home side continued to pile the pressure on and Keegan secured his brace on 32 minutes. Defender Eddie Edward looped in a cross from the right-wing, where Keegan beat the Strikers 'keeper in the air, heading the ball into an empty net to secure a 2-0 lead for the home side.

The visitors began to gain momentum towards the end of the half, with Geison Moura coming closest to pulling one back. The Strikers' right-footed shot attempt would find the side-netting, sending the Eddies into the half-time break with a 2-0 lead.

Fort Lauderdale's positive start to the second-half would earned them a penalty shot on 58 minutes after NASL Player of the Month Pape Diakité brought down Nunez inside the box. PC took responsibility of the penalty shot and pulled one back for the Strikers to make it a 2-1 with a half hour to play.

The match began to get physical, with both sides registering 12 fouls apiece by the hour-mark. PC almost capitalized on a free-kick opportunity from outside the box, but Eddies 'keeper Matt VanOekel came up big to make a diving save.

The Eddies first chance of the second half came on 79 minutes from a counter attack. Corea picked up the ball in midfield before slipping Keegan in on a breakaway, but Restrepo stood tall to deny Keegan his first NASL hat-trick.

The Eddies' league-leading defence would hold in an eventual in a 2-1 victory. The victory capped off the most successful Spring Season in team history.

"The first half was some of the best football we had played this entire season," FC Edmonton head coach Colin Miller said post-match. "I am very proud of this team's effort throughout the Spring Season and to finish in the top three is terrific. Overall I am very happy with the performance."

The Eddies return to action, July 10 in a rematch versus Fort Lauderdale Strikers at Clarke Field. For tickets and more information, please call 780.700.2600, or visit www.fcedmonton.com.

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North American Soccer League Stories from June 12, 2016


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