News

With Minnesota's 4-0 win this past Tuesday over Puerto Rico, FC Edmonton has been eliminated from playoff contention. The "Eddies" had stayed alive briefly thanks to a top shelf goal at the death Saturday night against Minnesota by Shaun Saiko. The 1-1 tie preserved Edmonton's slim playoff chances until Minnesota's resounding victory. Edmonton though eliminated fought bravely in a 2-2 tie against Carolina, the next night and now face the Tampa Bay Rowdies.

Edmonton is currently 7th in the NASL with 24 points with an overall record of 5-9-12. They have posted a 3-5-4 record when playing at Clarke Stadium. The Rowdies are second in the table, three points clear of Puerto Rico and six points behind San Antonio Scorpions for the overall NASL lead. The Rowdies need to win on Sunday to preserve any realistic chance of chasing down San Antonio for the NASL Regular Season title.

Tampa Bay Defender Takuya Yamada picked up his third goal of the season, helping the Rowdies stay three points ahead in second place.  Yamada earned his first ever NASL Defensive Player of the Week, as he was awarded this accolade on September 10th.

FC Edmonton vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies

Sunday, September 16, 2012— 4:10 P.M. EDT

Clarke Stadium

Edmonton, Alberta

Webcast: NASL on ustream, CBC Edmonton

TV: Shaw Cable, GOL TV Canada

2012 Series:  Tampa Bay, 3-0-0, 9 points

2011 Series:  Tampa Bay, 2-1-1, 7 points

                                                Edmonton                           Tampa Bay

Head Coach                        Harry Sinkgraven              Ricky Hill              

2012 Records                     7^th: 5-9-12, 24 points       2^nd: 11-7-7, 40 points

Last Five Games               L T L T T                                T L T W T                              

Goals Leader                     Shaun Saiko (7)                 Daniel Antoniuk (6),

                                                                                                Tsuyoshi Yoshitake (6)

Assists Leader                   Shaun Saiko (6)                 Mike Ambersley (8)

Edmonton

• 3-5-4 at home
• Eliminated from playoff qualification
• Winless in last five matches
• Only win vs. Tampa Bay: 5/31/2011, 4-0 at home
• Suspended: None
• At risk: Antonio Rago (four yellows)

Tampa Bay

• 4-2-6 on the road
• Clinched playoff berth; cannot clinch bye this weekend
• Three-match unbeaten streak
• Defeated Edmonton in all three prior meetings this season
• Frankie Sanfilippo returns from suspension
• Suspended: Eddie Ababio
• At risk: Andres Arango, Luke Mulholland (four yellows)