FC Edmonton prepares to host the Indy Eleven at Clarke Stadium tonight after what was a long but needed break for the Eddies following five matches in 15 days. Here are three story lines to follow ahead of Saturday encounter.
History Proves Saturday Will Be a Tight Affair
FC Edmonton and Indy Eleven have provided some memorable games over the years, from last year’s late comeback that saw the Eddies seal a 2-1 victory at Clarke Field, to last year’s post-season semi-final match where Indy Eleven won by a 1-0 score line. Both teams have always provided fans with an entertaining spectacle.
Edmonton and the Eleven have always matched up well against each other and history shows that there is not much that separates the two sides when they clash. Earlier this season when the two teams faced-off there was nothing to separate them in a 0-0 draw. During the 2016 Spring Season, Edmonton tied Indy away from home, defeated them at Clarke Field by a 2-1 score line and lost to the Eleven twice, both by a 1-0 score line. If history is any indicator as to how Saturday’s match will go, fans can expect a close and competitive affair at Clarke Stadium.
Both Teams Eager to Kick-Start Their Season
Both teams are coming out with a point to prove after the pair of clubs reached the post-season in the previous campaign. Despite such a positive 2016 season, both Edmonton and the Eleven have struggled to find the win column as much as they’d like. At the moment, Edmonton trail Indy by two points, but have played a match less than their Saturday opponents.
Despite having yet to register their first win of the 2017 season, Indy have only lost twice this season and Tim Hankinson will be disappointed with their six draws thus far. Indy are averaging a goal per game, but have conceded 11 goals, which is more than they conceded in the entire 2016 spring season.
Edmonton have registered one win, one draw and five losses through seven matches so far. The Eddies have been unlucky in front of goal this year, as Colin Miller’s men have created plenty of chances but have been unable to provide the finishing touch required in front of goal. After a bye-week, the Eddies have been working hard in training after getting a few days rest following a busy May schedule, and Miller’s men are eager to put on a show for the fans at Clarke Field on Saturday evening.
‘Girls in Soccer’ Hosted By Diana Matheson
Fans will get a chance to meet Canadian Women’s National Team midfielder and two-time Olympic bronze medalist Diana Matheson, who will be joining FC Edmonton this weekend as part of ‘Girls in Soccer’ Night at Clarke Stadium. Matheson plays her club soccer with Seattle Reign FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and has 169 caps for the women’s national team. She was a major part of Canada’s historic run in the London 2012 Summer Olympics as she scored the game-winning goal against France to clinch Canada it’s first team medal in a traditional sport since 1936. The international midfielder will be available for photos and autographs during the match, and the first 300 girls through the gates will get a free t-shirt and be invited on the pitch at half-time for a photo with Diana to commemorate the special night.