NASL FC Edmonton

Martinez Goal the Difference as Eddies Fall 1-0 to Miami FC

May 28, 2016 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
FC Edmonton News Release


FC Edmonton Battles for the Ball vs. Miami FC
FC Edmonton Battles for the Ball vs. Miami FC
(FC Edmonton)

FC Edmonton (4W-2D-3L) saw their five-match undefeated streak in North American Soccer League (NASL) play come to a close, as the Miami FC (1W-3D-4L) captured their first win in team history by a score of 1-0, May 28 at FIU Stadium in Miami, Fl.

Ariel Martinez registered the lone goal in Saturday's contest-his second of the NASL season- while Daniel Vega registered the clean sheet in goal.

The matches' most dangerous opportunity in the opening half was also the first chance overall. Eddie Jake Keegan squared a cross on his team's initial rush into the attacking third to teammate Gustavo in the box. In full sprint, Gustavo's header would go inches right of goalkeeper Vega.

Gustavo saw his second shot towards goal blocked just moments later, before a third consecutive Eddies attempt from midfielder Nik Ledgerwood sailed high and over the bar from distance.

Play settled to the mid-third of the pitch as the half continued, with Gustavo continuing to be active on the ball and helping to generate the first of two Eddies free kicks in the opening 45 minutes.

Eddies striker Tomi Ameobi nearly put his side up 1-0 on 18 minutes with a low left footed shot from the top of the 18-yard-box, but after shrugging off a pair of defenders the Newcastle native's attempt would roll just wide of goal.

Miami were held without a shot on target through 45 minutes despite a flurry of consecutive set piece opportunities at the midway mark of the half. Back-to-back set pieces for the home side late in the frame would also fail to connect as both teams headed into the break at 0-0.

An uneventful second half sprung to life on 67 minutes, as Miami's Martinez opened scoring in the match with a thundering strike from the top of the 18 yard box to put his side up 1-0.

The Eddies were unable to respond with a tying goal, as Miami FC hung on to the 1-0 lead through the remainder of the second half to earn the team their first win in franchise history. The New York Cosmos' victory earlier in the afternoon put the defending champions four points clear of the Eddies, eliminating them from the NASL Spring Season title race.

"It's disappointing that tonight was an opportunity for us to gain three very valuable points away from home and we didn't grasp it," FC Edmonton head coach Colin Miller explained. "We will regroup on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and the guys will then have a few days off with some tired legs I'm sure, and then we'll get ready for a huge home game against Fort Lauderdale."

The Eddies conclude their Spring Season campaign with a home match at Clarke Field against Fort Lauderdale Strikers, June 12 at 2:00 p.m. as they look to maintain their strong position in the league table. For tickets and more information, please call 780.700.2600 or click HERE. For more info on FC Edmonton, please visit www.fcedmonton.com.

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FC Edmonton Battles for the Ball vs. Miami FC
FC Edmonton Battles for the Ball vs. Miami FC
   



North American Soccer League Stories from May 28, 2016


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