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Scorpions Fall 3-1 in Edmonton, But Maintain Top Spot in NASL Fall Standings

August 3, 2014 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
San Antonio Scorpions News Release


The San Antonio Scorpions lost their first league road match in 2014 3-1 to FC Edmonton, but maintained first place in the NASL Fall Season standings in spite of the setback. The six straight road wins prior to today's result set a modern NASL record for consecutive wins away from home.

Edmonton scored the game winner in the 69' minute off of a free kick delivered by Lance Laing, his second assist of the match . The 30-yard curler found FCE forward Oluwatomiwo Ameobi in the six-yard box and he headed the ball past San Antonio goalie Josh Saunders for the 2-1 lead. The Eddies found an insurance goal 10 minutes later when Daryl Fordyce struck from distance off of a quickly taken free kick by Milton Blanco.

The Scorpions came into the match on the tails of three consecutive shutouts - 303 minutes total - and had not conceded a goal since the first match of the NASL Fall Season against New York. But the streak would only reach 312 minutes as Edmonton scored in the 9' minute of the match, the earliest goal given up by San Antonio this season. Defender Greg Janicki and Saunders miscommunicated on a cross into the box by Laing and Edmonton midfielder Horace James pounced on the loose ball and punished the defensive mistake.

The red-and-black pulled it back, though, in the 22' minute. Edmonton 'keeper John Smits was called for a foul in the box when he undercut Julius James to get to a loose ball after a Scorpions corner kick. Eric Hassli stepped up to the spot and roofed the penalty kick straight down the middle as Smits dived helplessly to his left.

Each side had a golden chance to take the lead before the break. In the 36', Billy Forbes stole the ball in the Eddies' offensive third and proceeded to dribble towards the endline and then into the box. He squared the ball to Hassli, who slid the ball through to the momentarily open Sainey Touray. But as the Gambian striker went to take his shot, FCE defender Eddie Edward slid to block the ball and save a sure goal. In the 45', Laing was served a beautiful cross from the far right side of the field. He met the ball perfectly at the far post, but sent his effort into the side netting rather than into the back of Saunders' goal.

The first place Scorpions are back home in San Antonio next weekend as the expansion Indy Eleven make their first trip to Toyota Field. Edmonton will hit the road to take on the Cosmos in New York.

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The Scorpions' next home match at Toyota Field is August 9th against Indy Eleven. Tickets can be purchased at Toyota Field Box Office or through Ticketmaster. Call 210.495.8686 for more information on season tickets or log onto SAScorpions.com.

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