If Ben Fisk’s luck would improve by 50 per cent, it wouldn’t be half bad.

But the FC Edmonton midfielder can’t buy a break, bounce, or get a friendly spin of the ball.

Since earning a starting spot in the lineup, Fisk has been impressive, but he’s having more luck hitting goalposts and crossbars than he has the back of the net.

Fisk is hoping things change when FC Edmonton face the Carolina RailHawks on Saturday (5:30 p.m.) in the first of a two-game road trip.

“I don’t think I’ve ever hit three goalposts in three straight games before, definitely not without scoring,” Fisk said prior to the team’s departure. “I’ve had some good shots that aren’t quite going in. It’s the same for the team as well. Lots of guys are getting in good areas and getting off good shots where it’s a couple of inches from being a goal. So I think we better just keep shooting and the goals will start coming.”

Fisk, 23, joined FC Edmonton in late July and had to bide his time waiting for an opportunity.

With FC Edmonton playing so well to start the North American Soccer League fall season, head coach Colin Miller was not going to tinker with a winning lineup.

“For me, no matter if I’m playing or in the stands, I want the team to win,” Fisk said. “I’m a competitive guy, but of course, you want to be playing as well. It definitely tested my patience, but now I have the chance, and I just have to hold on to it and keep playing well.”

As the games began to pile up and the wins started to dry up, Fisk was given on opportunity to start after being limited to a substitute’s role.

He hasn’t looked back since.

“We have really good depth in the squad,” Fisk said. “The way I look at, every game I have to play my ass off to keep my place. You have to give good credit to the Gaffer (boss) for making me be patient and waiting for the right time to get me involved. And now, I’m just trying to repay that trust in my and play well for the team.”

Fisk earned his first start three weeks ago against Miami FC. He was arguably Edmonton’s best player in the 2-0 loss, creating numerous scoring opportunities from his left midfield position and splintering the crossbar with a long-range shot.

Three days later, Fisk had another strong outing in a scoreless tie, at home, against Rayo Oklahoma City, hitting the woodwork again.

Fisk hit the goalpost this past Sunday in a scoreless tie, on the road, against the New York Cosmos and also sliced a shot just wide, which bent away from the net at the last second.

“That was a tough one, it was a bouncing ball on the turf,” Fisk said. “But I connected well with it and I thought it was in. But I’ve thought a few in the last couple of games were going in.”

Fisk’s misfortune around the net has mirrored that of the rest of the team.

FC Edmonton have not scored a goal in their previous three games heading into face the RailHawks.

They have two goals in their past five games, both coming in a come-from-behind 2-2 tie, on the road, against the Ottawa Fury.

Despite the drought, Fisk is not going to change his approach to the game, knowing the ball will eventually bounce in his favour.

“I think I’m a guy with a lot of self confidence, so when I get in those areas, whether I’m skying it 20 feet over the bar or hitting the post, I’m going to keep shooting,” he said. “The goals are coming, I think it’s just a matter of time.”

Fisk’s inclusion into the starting 11 has infused energy to FC Edmonton, who are still looking to rein in the Cosmos for first place in the standings.

Heading into the weekend, Edmonton is five points back of New York with a game in hand. The scoreless draw in New York last weekend, kept the Cosmos within striking distance.

“I think it was massive,” Fisk said. “For our team this year, and since I’ve been here, we have incredible team chemistry and are willing to fight and battle for each other. I think that draw in New York is a perfect example of that — going into a tough place to get a result and coming out with a 0-0 draw, I think, is a great result for us.”

dvandiest@postmedia.com

On Twitter: @DerekVanDiest

FC Game on

FC Edmonton (7-5-2) at Carolina RailHawks (4-4-6): Saturday (5:30 p.m.) Wakemed Stadium

Who to Watch

FC Edmonton: Ben Fisk

The FC Edmonton midfielder has come as close as you can without scoring in the past three games. Fisk has hit three goalposts and had numerous close calls in front of the opposition net. He’s due to finally break through.

RailHawks: Matt Fondy

The RailHawks midfielder leads his team with six goals this season. The Foster City, Calif., product is in his first year with Carolina after setting a United Soccer League record 22 goals for Louisville City FC last year. Fondy has also played in the MLS for Chivas USA and the Chicago Fire.

Coming In

FC Edmonton goes into the contest winless in their last five games. The held the New York Cosmos to a scoreless draw last week, keeping the top team in the Fall Season standings within striking distance. Edmonton’s last victory was a 1-0 win, on the road, against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. They’ve since gone on to post four ties and a loss. Saturday’s game is the first of a two-game road trip. Edmonton will travel to face the Jacksonville Armada on Wednesday.

Carolina goes into the contest on a two-game losing skid. They lost 1-0, on the road to the Rowdies last Saturday. Prior to that, they fell 1-0, on the road, to Miami FC. The RailHawks are currently 9th in the Combined standings, six points back of a playoff spot.