Weary Cavalry FC earns draw with provincial rivals
CAVALRY FC 0, FC EDMONTON 0 The Al Classico wasn’t exactly a classic.
But in terms of a point gained from the 0-0 draw, host Cavalry FC didn’t mind at all following a Friday night battle with provincial rival FC Edmonton at Spruce Meadows.
Not given the fact the Calgary professional soccer crew finished off a heavy schedule that saw it play four matches in 10 days, including two consecutive Wednesday contests against Major League Soccer’s Montreal Impact in Canadian Championship action.
“We didn’t get beat — we kept a clean sheet,” said Cavalry GM/ head coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr. “I think it was a tired performance. But it was one of character.
“What we need is quality. But to get quality, you need time on the green grass, and we don’t get that time. But we gave everything we have, and that’s in our DNA.”
The Cavs fielded a starting 11 devoid of many big stars — some injured, such as offensive threats Sergio Camargo and Jordan Brown, and some recovering from a busy few weeks, including goalkeeper Marco Carducci, midfielder Julian Buscher, forward Jose Escalante and defenders Mason Trafford and Jonathan Wheeldon.
In all, the Cavs went with seven changes from the starting group that played Wednesday against the Impact, when they were eliminated from the 13-team national tournament despite a fabulous run to the Canadian Championship’s final four.
But that didn’t stop them from being competitive against their provincial rival at ATCO Field.
The first half saw FC Edmonton fire a few good balls at Cavalry goalkeeper Niko Giantsopoulos, but he made solid saves on Edem Mortotsi, from inside the penalty area, and Amer Didic, from inside the six-yard box.
“When my time comes, I’ve got to be ready,” said Cavs backup goalie Giantsopoulos, who made eight saves and had the goalpost help him on one flurry of FC Edmonton opportunities. “I felt good. I’ve been preparing for when Tommy does call my name. Happy to prove it with my performance — it was good.”
At the other end, FC Edmonton goalie Connor James was less busy, but watched helplessly as Nico Pasquotti drilled a shot past the net from around the top of the penalty box.
In the second half, FC Edmonton got the best of early chance when Easton Ongaro, who was selected 15th overall by the Cavalry in the CPL-U Sports Draft, but eventually signed in Alberta’s capital, walked down the right side and sifted a ball just wide of the far post.
But the home side pushed hard down the stretch and got its best opportunities when Jose Escalante couldn’t get his free-kick attempt from just outside the penalty area past a last-chance defender, and when Dominique Malonga rolled a ball just past the far post.
With the result, Cavalry (3-0-3) and Edmonton (3-1-3) remained tied atop the fall season standings in the Canadian Premier League.
Next up for the Cavs is a home affair Wednesday against York9 FC at ATCO Field (7 p.m., Onesoccer. ca).
LIGHTS, ACTION, LIGHTS!
It was a bright night on the pitch Friday after extra light standards were brought in for the Al Classico.
That after Wednesday’s darkness that saw the night envelop the pitch — with limited lightning proving ineffective — late in the second leg of the Canadian Championship semifinal series.
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Cavs captain Nik Ledgerwood was back in action after serving a one-game suspension ... D Joel Waterman returned to game action for the Cavs after dealing with a broken toe over the past few weeks ... D Dean Northover is out for the remainder of the season with an ACL injury. And defender Chris Serban has yet to make an appearance this season due to injury.