EDMONTON, A.B. — FC Edmonton prepares for its first match of the 2017 North American Soccer League (NASL) season under the lights of Clarke Stadium tonight, with a rematch from opening week against Jacksonville Armada FC. Kick-off is at 7:00 p.m.
TICKETS / #ALLTHEWAYUP / SCHEDULE / ROSTER
The rematch follows a 1-0 loss for the Eddies to Armada FC last Sunday in the first of a home-and-home between the two sides to open the NASL Spring Season. J.C. Banks’ 80th minute goal was the difference on the day in the heat and humidity of Jacksonville.
“I thought the game had a 0-0 scoreline written all over it and unfortunately we made a bad mistake in possession of the ball that led to the winning goal,” FC Edmonton head coach Colin Miller said of the reverse fixture. “I’m disappointed with the result, but I thought the players did well. 90-degrees [fahrenheit] plus humidity is a little bit more than what we’re used to experiencing in Edmonton, but the players know themselves that we need to answer the bell on Saturday night.”
Despite being only the second match of FC Edmonton’s young season, Saturday’s game is slated to have an extra boost to emotion. The Eddies are playing at Clarke for the first time this season on a Saturday night and have the opportunity to bounce back from their opening loss to Jacksonville with an immediate response against the same Armada FC side.
It’s a situation, both coaches and players, look forward to and embrace.
“There’s always the pressure in the Home Opener, but we’re excited about it,” Miller added. “The players know themselves that it’s their first game at home and there’s a lot to be excited about. We’re playing on a Saturday night under the lights in Edmonton.”
Left-back Netan Sansara and the club’s other five offseason signings prepare to make their Clarke Stadium debuts after their introduction to the NASL last Sunday in Jacksonville. After starting the year on the road, the players are excited for their first opportunity to compete in front of the Clarke faithful this Saturday night.
“I received a lot of positive message from fans after last weekend’s game, so hopefully I can show them what I’m about and what I bring, but hopefully just win the three points,” Sansara said. “It’s the only thing on our minds and hopefully we put together a good game for the fans.”
FC Edmonton midfielder Dustin Corea is available for selection and Sainey Nyassi has had a few more training sessions under his belt in his push for full fitness, giving the Eddies more options on attack in a match where they’ll try to force the issue offensively against Jacksonville. Defender Karsten Smith is still unavailable due to injury.
Gates are open to Clarke Stadium at 5:30, and be sure to arrive early for the Red Bull Tailgate Party! Before kick-off, FC Edmonton will also honour the late Karl Weidle as the inaugural honouree of the Pioneer Project, a celebration of the city’s great builders of the beautiful game in our communities. Tickets to FC Edmonton’s Home Opener this Saturday are on sale at tickets.fcedmonton.com! Go #AllTheWayUp with the club on social media this season by using the hashtag to win prizes and help reveal the history of soccer in Edmonton, both past and present.