NASL FC Edmonton

Match Preview: FC Edmonton vs. Minnesota United FC

Published on April 8, 2016 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
FC Edmonton News Release


More Than A Match

Sunday is set to deliver. FC Edmonton returns to Clarke Field for the first time in 2016, and they are bringing an abundance of intriguing storylines along with them. On top of their Home Opener, the team will see the home debuts of several offseason signings (Ledgerwood? Gustavo? Shome?). Both teams will be hungry for their first win of the young season, and both teams feature former players in goalkeeper Matt VanOekel and midfielder Lance Laing. Ever heard of the Flyover Cup? It's the first round of that competition as well.

Match Preview vs. Minnesota United FC

FC Edmonton (0W-1D-0L) welcomes Minnesota United FC (0W-0D-1L) to Clarke Field for their Canadian Tire Home Opener, April 10 at 2:00 p.m. The Eddies are looking to build upon a strong defensive effort show last weekend against Rayo OKC and capture their first three-point performance of the 2016 North American Soccer League (NASL) season. Sunday marks the first match of the annual, supporter-run competition, Flyover Cup.

The 'Loons-one of the NASL's biggest offseason movers-opened their season against the Carolina RailHawks. The 'Hawks scored two unanswered goals en route to a 2-1 victory, capturing all three points and handing Minnesota their first defeat of the season. Minnesota's Christian Ramirez registered his first goal of the season just two minutes into the match, before Carolina responded with a pair of goals to down the visitors. Minnesota is led by first-year head coach Carl Craig, who takes over from coach-turned-sporting-director Manny Lagos. Craig will be tasked with leading Minnesota back to the NASL postseason, where they were bounced in the 2015 opening round by eventual league runner-up Ottawa Fury FC.

The Eddies opened up their season on the road, earning a point in a 0-0 draw against league newcomer Rayo OKC, April 2 at Miller Stadium in front of 6,416 fans. Several Eddies made their debuts in blue on Saturday evening, including Nik Ledgerwood, Pape Diakité, Adam Eckersley and Jake Keegan. It was an impressive defensive display for the 10-men Eddies, who will have to emulate their strong performance from last week against 2015's highest scoring team. In net, NASL Team of the Week selection Matt VanOekel will face his former squad for the fourth time since arriving in Edmonton. The 29-year-old will be hoping to capture a win over Minnesota for the first time as an Eddie after playing to three consecutive draws last season.

High on the list of intriguing storylines for Sunday is Lance Laing. The Eddies welcome back their former MVP for the first time since the wingers' off-season move south of the border. Laing rose to prominence in Edmonton, becoming one of the league's most dangerous offensive threats. The Jamaican international thrived in Edmonton after moving to midfield from the left back position, recording eight goals and seven assists in 2015.

"There have always been entertaining games between the two teams," FC Edmonton head coach Colin Miller stated. "I expect the same this weekend; they've come off a disappointing loss to Carolina so they'll want to get back to winning ways. We've come off a very strong performance defensively against a good Oklahoma team...Now let's see what we can do going forward...It's a game we're really looking forward to playing."

FC Edmonton and Minnesota United FC kick-off in the Eddies' Canadian Tire Home Opener, April 10 at 2:00 p.m. MT at Clarke Field. Limited tickets are available by calling 780.700.2600, visiting www.fcedmonton.com or by clicking HERE. The match will be streamed live on www.fcedmonton.com, www.nasl.com and on broadcast on ESPN 3 in the United States. For more information, please visit www.fcedmonton.com.

Match Details

Teams: FC Edmonton vs. Minnesota United FC

Kick-off: April 10, 2:00 p.m. (MT)

Location: Clarke Field (Edmonton)

Broadcast: www.fcedmonton.com (Canada), www.NASL.com (Canada), ESPN3 (United States)

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