Saturday, the Canadian Premier League kicked off in Hamilton with the league’s inaugural match. Expectations were high and the match did not disappoint.

It was intense, exciting and the quality of play was solid. Forge FC and York 9 FC have the makings of what will be an intense rivalry as the game ended in a 1-1 draw. See Saturday’s report for more details.

FC Edmonton open CPL week with a bye, look ahead to Valour FC

FC Edmonton enjoyed a bye week to start the opening weekend of Canadian Premier League action. They will be playing in their first match on Saturday in Winnipeg against Valour FC. This will be the team’s first match since 2017 when FC Edmonton last played in the now-dissolved NASL.

Jeff Paulus, manager for FC Edmonton, believes the teams that did not play this opening weekend have an advantage. They get to stay away from all of the excitement and emotions that surround the ceremony and the hype. It also gives the three teams not playing – FC Edmonton, Cavalry FC and Valour FC — an opportunity to scout the teams that play this first weekend and prepare for upcoming matches against them.

Valour FC plays one game on Wednesday at Pacific FC, prior to the May 4 match against FC Edmonton. This allows FC Edmonton time to see how Valour plays, in terms of tactics, formation and players to lookout for.

River Valley Vanguard

Several fans are expected to be on hand for this game.

River Valley Vanguard, FC Edmonton’s supporter group, is organizing events in Winnipeg for fans of the Eddies who are making the trip. Expect the Vanguard to be loud welcoming their beloved team back to professional soccer.

✅ New League

✅ Fresh Kit

✅ Selfie with the Mayor Not much left to do but win the league! ? pic.twitter.com/zc6bZzIgNQ — FC Edmonton (@FCEdmontonNow) April 27, 2019

Pre-Season Continues at Home and U23 Whitecaps Cancellation

Since returning from the Dominican Republic on April 15, the team has been continuing their pre-season. They had their first outdoor practice at Clarke Stadium this past week. The Eddies had two intra-squad matches with their final pre-season one on April 26.

The extra week of pre-season will be helpful for as the team readies its players to match fitness. This is helpful for players such as Mele Temguia, who was injured earlier in the pre-season, and James Marcelin, who did not play last year.

There was to be a pair of U23 Vancouver Whitecap friendlies over the final two weeks, with the second one at home on April 28. The only response received from the club was that, ‘They were cancelled.” No indication was given as to why.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, Edmonton Soccer Dome had their grand opening. On hand was Edmonton’s Mayor Don Iveson and FC Edmonton — including owner Tom Fath — for an open practice.

Club Dressing Room Grand Opening

Speaking to FC Edmonton General Manager, Jay Ball, at the Soccer Dome grand opening, Ball indicated that the club plans on hosting a Clubhouse Grand Opening in the days leading up to the season opener against Pacific FC on May 12 at Clarke Stadium. More details to follow.