Eddies Impressive in 1-0 Victory over Jacksonville Armada

May 4, 2016 - North American Soccer League (NASL) - FC Edmonton News Release





FC Edmonton (2-1-1) opened up their two game road trip with an impressive 1-0 victory over Jacksonville Aramda FC (1-1-2), May 4 at Community First Park. The win pushed the Edmonton side into sixth place in the North American Soccer League (NASL) Spring Season standings.

Eddies defender Papé Diakité's second half goal was the difference in the match, while goalkeeper Matt VanOekel joined New York Cosmos' Jimmy Mauer and Minnesota United's Sammy Ndjock with three clean sheets on the season.

A cautious opening half of play saw both sides failing to generate much in the way of dangerous opportunities. Jacksonville controlled the opening half of possession with 69-percent, but finished with just a single shot from Derek Gebhard early in half. The midfielder's right-footed strike from a sharp angle was smothered by VanOekel in net.

At the other end of the pitch, Eddies Pablo Cruz delivered the visitors' opening look towards goal, receiving a cross from left back Johann Smith before sending a strike on the half-volley towards his near post that was saved by Armada 'keeper Miguel Gallardo.

The Eddies followed up with a second opportunity off a Nik Ledgerwood forced turnover that resulted in teammate Jake Keegan chasing down a 50-50 ball on a potential breakaway, before the play was eventually called back on a Jacksonville foul.

Eddies midfielder Shome closed out the opening half with a dangerous looking opportunity, receiving a through ball from teammate Jason Plumhoff before firing a close range shot that deflected out of play.

Both teams would head into the break in a 0-0 deadlock.

The Eddies entered the second half on the front foot, with striker Jake Keegan's looping cross from the right wing nearly sneaking under the bar before being tipped over the net by Gallardo.

Eddies captain Albert Watson followed up Keegan's opportunity moments later with an attempted cross into the box to Keegan, but the New York native was unable to connect with the ball.

The Eddies broke through on 64 minutes, as Diakité sent home a sizzling volley from the top of the 18-yard box for his first league goal of his career. Cruz's corner into the box flicked off the head of Daryl Fordyce, before finding an unmarked Diakité.

Jacksonville were gifted a glorious opportunity to level the match on 84 minutes as forward Lucas Scaglia was left unmarked in the box, but his headed attempt towards net sailed high. The home side was unable to generate additional quality looks on net as the second half wound down, with the visiting Eddies capturing all three points for their second win of the Spring Season.

"In the second half we managed the ball better," FC Edmonton head coach Colin Miller explained. "I'm extremely proud of the organization of our team and how hard everyone worked. We now go to a very good, hardworking Indy team on Saturday night with a good crowd and we'll need the same effort- if not more- again."

FC Edmonton faces a quick turnaround following Wednesday's victory, as they head to Indianapolis to take on Indy Eleven at Michael A. Carroll Stadium, with kick-off set for 5:30 p.m. MT on May 7. Jacksonville remains at home to take on Rayo OKC, May 7 at 5:00 p.m. MT. For more information, please visit www.fcedmonton.com.

Of note: Plans changed for head coach Colin Miller and the Eddies in the seventh minute, as midfielder Cristian Raudales was forced out of the match due to injury and replaced by Daryl Fordyce.

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