Puerto Rico piles on the offence early to blank Eddies

FC Edmonton did not have enough to overcome an inspired Puerto Rico FC in their second-last game of the North American Soccer League season Wednesday.

Edmonton conceded two early first-half goals in a 2-0 loss to Puerto Rico in a neutral-site game in Kissimmee, Fla.

Midfielder Jordi Quintilla and striker Hector Ramos scored for Puerto Rico, who are playing their remaining home games in Florida because of the devastation caused by hurricane Maria. Half of the ticket proceeds from the game are being donated to the relief efforts in Puerto Rico.

Edmonton will close out its season Saturday at Miami FC.

FC Edmonton fell behind after six minutes as Quintilla ran at the FC Edmonton defence and hammered a left-footed shot past goalkeeper Nathan Ingham.

Ramos put Puerto Rico up 2-0 in the 16th minute, taking a through ball from midfielder Mike Ramos and going in alone on Ingham. Hector Ramos hit the goalpost with his first shot, but the ball bounced right back into his path and the Puerto Rican product hammered the rebound into the empty net.

Puerto Rico came close to extending its lead in the 24th minute when midfielder Mario Martinez bent a free kick toward the top corner of the FC Edmonton net. Ingham, however, was able to dive out and make an excellent save.

Edmonton had few chances in the first half dominated by Puerto Rico.

The loss dropped FC Edmonton to 3-5-7. They are seventh in the Fall Season standings, two points up on the last-place Indy Eleven.