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FC Edmonton goalkeeper Matt VanOekel collected his 11th shutout of the year, which was likely the easiest of his career. VanOekel has not conceded a goal in 534 minutes of play and had but one save to make in the contest as the majority of the game was played in the Puerto Rico half.

“We never looked under any pressure, Matt VanOekel could have been reading the paper in the second half,” Miller said. “The disappointing thing for me is not the effort from the players, it’s just the final ball. But it’s very, very difficult to break down a team that is hell bent on coming out of here with a draw.”

The tie marked the first time since April FC Edmonton has not won a league game at Clarke Stadium. The point, however, did allow them to keep a share of first place in the Fall Season standings with the New York Cosmos.

Edmonton had their chances to take the lead in the first half. Jake Keegan got to the end of a cross whipped into the box by Adam Eckersley, but his glancing header in the 24th minute whistled just wide.

Later in the half, a crunching tackle by midfielder Nik Ledgerwood sent Edmonton off on a counterattack, which saw the ball eventually played to Dustin Corea at the top of the penalty area. Corea’s shot, heading towards the bottom corner of the net, was batted away by an excellent diving save from Puerto Rico goalkeeper Trevor Spangenberg.

“It’s frustrating, but I thought we played really well at times,” said Ledgerwood, who is heading off to play a pair of crucial World Cup qualifiers with Canada. “During the season we’ve definitely played worse and won games. I just think now it’s about keeping positive and moving forward. It’s definitely frustrating not to keep the win streak going.”