Low-scoring Eddies ready to make roster changes in time for Sunday’s home game against Minnesota
FC Edmonton will release “a couple of players” Saturday
FC Edmonton fans may not know who’s headed their way come July for the fall season, but they’ll certainly know who’s leaving.
The Eddies wrap up their North American Soccer League spring schedule against Minnesota United FC at 2 p.m. Sunday at Clarke Field.
“Over the next couple of days, we’ll probably be releasing a couple of players and it’s never easy, but it’s part of the job,” said head coach Colin Miller, who will make the cuts on Saturday instead of after Sunday’s game.
“There’s no easy way. There’s no best time to do it.”
It’s been no secret that changes were coming at the midway point of the season. The Eddies have scored only 10 times (only the last-place Fort Lauderdale Strikers have fewer goals), which is the major reason Edmonton has a 2-5-4 (win-tie-loss) record.
“The guys have been on trial, really, since February 18,” said Miller, referring to the start of training camp.
“If I haven’t made my mind up by now, there’s something wrong with me.”
Miller, who also handles player personnel decisions, has had weeks to contemplate replacements. The only guarantee is any additions have to be from North America. The Eddies’ international roster spots are locked up.
“You never stop looking for quality,” said Miller, who will use his time as interim coach of the national team at the Gold Cup to scout players.
Canada will also have a tuneup against the Premier Development League’s Ventura County Fusion on Tuesday.
“I’ve lined up one (player). I’ll find out this weekend when he can be available (and) if he can be available. He’ll add a little bit of devilment to the way we play,” Miller said.
The focus for Edmonton heading into Sunday’s game is a simple one: Limp into the league’s July break with something positive to hold onto.
Regardless of the outcome against Minnesota, the team is eager to take a week away from the pitch before returning to Edmonton for three weeks of preparation ahead of the fall schedule opener on Aug. 3.
“We’re just going to look at it as a way to recharge the batteries a little bit,” midfielder Shaun Saiko said. “I think regardless of what happens, we’re going to go and enjoy some time off, recharge the batteries, and come back hungry to win the fall season.
“We’ve got a good squad here and we’re doing some good things, but we’re just not getting those results. If players can come back and give that extra five or 10 per cent, it could be a good season.”
The St. Albert product hasn’t had the type of season he wanted, as his move to a wing position continues to be a work in progress.
“I’m playing as a winger this season and, last year, I kind of just played all over the place, but more in a central role most of the time,” said Saiko, who has been conspicuously absent from the Eddies’ starting lineup the last two games.
“I’m just trying to find my way in this new position and work hard to create chances, but sometimes it doesn’t go your way. I can’t say that I haven’t worked hard this season, because this season I’ve thought I’ve worked really hard, but the quality definitely has to get better from myself. Hopefully, if I get better, the other players will follow.”
NOTES: Miller won’t have much time to contemplate the spring season after Sunday’s game, as he leaves for California on Monday to join the national team … Another good crowd is expected Sunday. Edmonton had a franchise-best turnout of 3,474 two weeks ago against Carolina.