OPENING STUMBLE
Eddies fall to Ottawa Fury
FC Edmonton could have easily been coming home with a win from the first leg of the Canadian Championship preliminary-round match against the Ottawa Fury FC, but instead return in a hole.
Edmonton will rue the opportunities squandered if they fail to advance to the semifinal of the national tournament.
FC Edmonton conceded a 90thminute goal to Ottawa in a 1-0 loss in the first game of the two-game, total-goal series. The second leg takes place on May 10 (7 p.m.) at Clarke Stadium.
“It was a very tough, physical game with few opportunities between the two sides, but it’s disappointing with the manner we gave away the winning goal,” FC Edmonton head coach Colin Miller said.
“We all win together and when we lose, it’s my team. It’s only halftime in the tie, that’s the reality of the situation, and now they’ll come to Edmonton where it’s very difficult for visiting teams to get any sort of result.”
Ryan Williams scored the late winning goal after a cross was misplayed by FC Edmonton goalkeeper Tyson Farago, who got the start ahead of regular Chris Konopka.
Farago came out to smother a low cross from Andrae Campbell and palmed the ball right into the path of Williams, who slotted it into the open net.
Edmonton now needs to beat Ottawa by two goals in order to advance to the national semifinal where Toronto FC of the MLS awaits.
A 1-0 victory at home by FC Edmonton would send the series against the Fury into extra time. Ottawa would advance with a onegoal loss if they manage to score at Clarke Stadium.
Neither team was very adventurous pushing forward in the first 45 minutes as scoring opportunities were limited, yet Edmonton should have gone ahead just before halftime.
Midfielder Dean Shiels had an excellent opportunity for FC Edmonton on a ball lofted into the penalty area by Ben Fisk. The ball bounced in the penalty area and Shiels was able to track it down at the corner of the six-yard box, but his shot from in close was knocked away by a charging Ottawa Fury goalkeeper Callum Irving and the ball looped over top of the net.
FC Edmonton had another good opportunity earlier in the half when Shawn Nicklaw sent a dangerous cross into the box in the 27th minute, but Fisk was unable to make proper contact on his header, despite finding himself in a good position behind the Ottawa back line.
In the second half, the game opened up as Ottawa began pressing for the winning goal. However, it was Edmonton who had the best chance of the match following a turnover in midfield, which should have been put away.
Jake Keegan took possession of the ball and sent Tomi Ameobi through for a clear shot on goal. Ameobi’s left-footed attempt was stopped by Irving, but the rebound sat invitingly in front of the net where Allan Zebie got to it first.
Zebie, however, was not ruthless
It was a very tough, physical game … but it’s disappointing with the manner we gave away the winning goal.
enough in front of the net and his weak shot was turned way by Irving, who scrambled back into his net to make an incredible save.
“It was a great chance and a great save,” Miller said. “Seeing Allan get forward for that opportunity was great to see, but it just lacked the finishing touch. He did everything well with everything he was asked of in this match and the past few games, so it’s pleasing to see him earn more chances and opportunities."
Failure to put away their opportunities cost FC Edmonton as Ottawa scored on their only shot on target. The innocent-looking play started with Campbell down the left side, who tried to pick out striker Tucker Hume in the penalty area. The ball dropped in front of Hume, but Farago had anticipated the cross and got to it first. The FC Edmonton goalkeeper, however, failed to smoother the ball and knocked it to the top of the penalty area allowing Williams to face an open net.
FC Edmonton will conclude their three-game road trip on Saturday in a North American Soccer League contest at the Indy Eleven before returning home to host the Fury.
“We have a huge game in the league on Saturday in Indianapolis,” Miller said. “And we have to regroup and go again next Wednesday.”