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NASL FC Edmonton

Saler Set to Pull on the Red and White

March 15, 2011 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
FC Edmonton News Release


CASA GRANDE, Arizona - FC Edmonton heads home on March 19 but one player is extending his camp a little thanks to a call up from his National team.

Eighteen-year-old Niko Saler has been invited to the Canadian U20 camp in Florida on Saturday and the Lethbridge, Alberta left back couldn't be happier with the opportunity.

The U20 team is preparing for the CONCACAF Championships.

"They said they have another left-back but it's always good to have two," Saler said, regarding his chances of making the squad out of camp. "Hopefully it goes well."

Regardless of whether or not he makes the team, Saler sees this as an opportunity to gain experience and improve as a soccer player.

"Just the experience of playing with good players and learning a lot from different coaches, everyone has different things that they can teach you," he said. "It's going to be a great experience for sure."

Saler has never really been on the National radar until now and he credits his time with FC Edmonton for getting the invitation.

"It's a little nerve-wracking because it's my first shot and I want to make a good impression," he said. "Playing professionally has made a big difference though. Playing day in and day out with quality players that are older, you always have to get better. It definitely gave me a lot of confidence knowing that I can play and compete here with FC Edmonton and I can bring that into the camp as well."

FC Edmonton Head Coach Harry Sinkgraven is pleased that one of his players is getting the opportunity to represent his country and he said he wishes Niko all the best.

"Whenever a player gets the chance to play for the national team it's an honour," Sinkgraven said. "He's trained here for two weeks so I hope the adjustment is better now and it makes the chances for him to make the team better."

Saler said he's well prepared for the challenge thanks to the two-week training camp that's wrapping up in Arizona.

"Timing is everything," he said. "It couldn't be a better set up for me, having come here for training camp and getting fit. I think that's a major reason why I got invited; at least I'm going to be fit.

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