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NASL FC Edmonton

Stoppage Time Strike Salvages Point for Eddies

July 2, 2016 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
FC Edmonton News Release


Stoppage Time Strike Salvages Point for Eddies
Stoppage Time Strike Salvages Point for Eddies
(FC Edmonton)

Robbie Findley registered an opening half goal for Rayo OKC, while midfielder Gustavo levelled the match deep into stoppage time for the visiting Eddies.

It was a positive result for the Eddies, who travelled to Oklahoma with just 15 players due to a combination of suspensions and injuries. To make matters worse, midfielder Dustin Corea was forced out of the match early due to injury, forcing head coach Colin Miller to make an early substitution.

Rayo OKC found themselves up 1-0 in the 33^rd minute after defender Jared Van Schaik found Findley in the box for a tap-in goal. Rayo was active around the Eddies' net in the opening half, finishing with a total of nine shots towards goal in contrast to the Eddies' four.

A scary collision between Eddies 'keeper Matt VanOekel, Nyassi and Billy Forbes closed out the first half of play, as Rayo OKC headed into the break up 1-0.

A fantastic save by VanOekel on 65 minutes breathed life into an otherwise quiet 20 minutes to begin the second half and kept the Eddies within a goal of their opponents.

The Eddies were not without their chances to score as the second half progressed, finishing the match with a total of 12 corner kick opportunities and an edge in possession with 53-percent.

VanOekel's second half save would turn out to be a big play in retrospect, as the Eddies were able to level the match in the final moments of stoppage time with a wonder strike from distance by Gustavo. The Brazilian's strike found its way just under the crossbar to level the match at 1-1. It was Gustavo's first goal as an Eddie.

The final whistle would blow shortly thereafter, with both sides collecting a point on the opening day of the Fall Season.

"I credit the players with continuing to work and trying to do the right things," Miller said. "It was just a very flat performance. It was 97-degrees when we pulled up to the stadium...losing Dustin early was also a bit of a blow through injury. I'm very proud of the players, the second half Matt made a couple of good saves. Overall I don't think people can say that we didn't deserve a point here tonight."

The Eddies return home to Clarke Field, July 10 versus Fort Lauderdale Strikers at 2:00 p.m. MT.

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Stoppage Time Strike Salvages Point for Eddies
Stoppage Time Strike Salvages Point for Eddies
   



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