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NASL FC Edmonton

Match Preview vs. Newcastle United U-21

March 17, 2016 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
FC Edmonton News Release


FC Edmonton in Action
FC Edmonton in Action
(FC Edmonton)

FALKIRK, SCT - FC Edmonton's (2-0-0) ultimate measuring stick during their two-week Scotland trip will come in the form of Friday's match versus Newcastle United's U-21 squad. The Eddies will travel to Newcastle to face the English Premier League development side, Mar. 18 at 7:00 a.m. MT.

Newcastle United U-21 competes in the Barclays Under-21 Premier League. The team currently sits 10th in the Division 2 league table through 18 matches this season.

"I'm very excited about this challenge," FC Edmonton head coach Colin Miller stated. "The third game of our preseason will pose the biggest test that we've had so far. Our players are well aware of the standard of the opposition, the standard and the stature of the club of Newcastle United. I think that in itself is motivation for the players."

The Eddies opened up their preseason trip with a 2-0 victory over Scottish Professional Football League's (SPFL) Partick Thistle FC on Mar. 13. Two days later, the team travelled to Airdrie and posted a 2-1 win over SPFL League 1 opponent Airdrieonians FC, May 15, at Excelsior Stadium. The Eddies will look to make it three wins in a row as they face the highest profile oppenent in their history.

"It's a very, very exciting occasion for the club," Miller added. "Here's little FC Edmonton playing arguably one of the biggest clubs in the English Premier League and that doesn't happen every day. Our players must relish the opportunity and enjoy the experience...it's a fantastic occasion for FC Edmonton."

The Eddies have outscored their two opponents 4-1 heading into Friday's match. Nik Ledgerwood and Jake Keegan registered goals in the team's preseason-opening match against Partick Thistle, while Daryl Fordyce netted two versus Airdrieonians. In net, goalkeeper Matt VanOekel has led the team's trio of goalkeepers in playing time, with teammates Tyson Farago and Nathan Ingham splitting the remaining minutes.

Founded in 2012, the Barclays Under-21 Premier League features 24 teams from both the Barclay's Premier League (17) and Skybet Championship (7). The league operates on a promotion-relegation system, with the 24 clubs split between Division 1 and 2.

Join the Eddies on their two-week preseason trip! Use the hashtags #FCEinScotland and #FCEd to stay connected and view exclusive content straight from Scotland. To learn more about the Eddies' preseason trip, please click HERE.

Following their trip to Scotland, the Eddies return to Edmonton for just over a week before opening up their North American Soccer League (NASL) season on April 2 versus Rayo OKC. The team faces Minnesota United FC, April 10 in their Canadian Tire Home Opener, 2:00 p.m. MT at Clarke Field. For tickets and more information, please call 780.700.2600, visit www.fcedmonton.com.

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FC Edmonton in Action
FC Edmonton in Action
   



North American Soccer League Stories from March 17, 2016


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