FC Edmonton desperate for points in playoff chase

FC Edmonton head coach Colin Miller is under no illusions.

As well as his team played in a 2-0 victory against the Indy Eleven at home this past weekend, there is still a mountain of work ahead to qualify for the North American Soccer League playoffs.

And going into San Francisco to play the host Deltas on Saturday, FC Edmonton are still in desperate need of points.

“We will have to be as good, if not better, down in San Francisco,” Miller said prior to departing. “I’ve seen them enough to know they’re a very good side. They’ve got talent, they’ve got pace, they have athleticism, and they’re always well-prepared. (Head coach) Marc (Dos Santos) has done a great job down there.”

The last time FC Edmonton were in San Francisco, they pulled out an improbable 2-1 victory. Goalkeeper Tyson Farago had an outstanding game, making a number of world-class saves.

Farago also had his share of luck as the Deltas hit the crossbar and goalpost.

San Francisco attempted 29 shots on goal to 10 for Edmonton. Farago was forced to make seven saves, a number of them from point-blank range where he was able to react to the ball.

“We also got a little bit of luck from the posts, and everything fell in line and we took advantage if it.”

At the time, the win extended FC Edmonton’s undefeated streak to four games and lifted them into the thick of the playoff race.

Edmonton’s best opportunity to qualify for the playoffs is to win the fall season, in which they currently sit second, four points behind leaders Miami FC.

“This game is definitely important where we are in the table,” Farago said. “The results have to come steadily now, and the boys are putting in great efforts and we’re looking for that from game to game.”

The win against Indy this past weekend was Edmonton’s best defensive performance of the season. It was only the second shutout of the year for the club and the first of Farago’s professional career.

“I thought Tyson’s game on Sunday was arguably the best that he’s had for us so far,” Miller said. “We know that we’ll have to be at our very best against a very good San Francisco team that will probably be hurting from us beating them the last time we were down there. We know that there is an incredible job of work to be done, because this is arguably one of the favourites to win the whole thing down in San Francisco, they’re that good.”

The Deltas are currently fourth in the fall season standings, two points back of Edmonton.