RECAP | Strikers 1, Eddies 1

FC Edmonton collected their fourth point of the NASL Fall Season against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, earning a 1-1 draw at Lockhart Stadium.

Strikers midfielder Walter Ramirez opened scoring in the match, while Sadi Jalali leveled the score late for the visiting Eddies.

The Strikers had the first chance on net two minutes into the match, when midfielder PC volleyed a cross from the right wing straight into the hands of Eddies goalkeeper Matt VanOekel, who was in good position to make the save.

Edmonton’s first chance of the half came from striker Jalali on 18 minutes, when the 20-year-old received a cross from teammate Johann Smith before heading the ball just wide of Strikers ‘keeper Josh Ford’s net. Jalali received another chance on net from 20 yards out several minutes later, striking a low shot that Ford was able to absorb. 

Both sides would head into the half in a 0-0 deadlock.

On 67 minutes, Marlon Freitas sent Shawn Chin into the box. VanOekel came out to meet Chin, who went down after apparent contact, earning Fort Lauderdale a penalty kick. Stepping up to take the shot was Ramirez, whose strike went past an outstretched VanOekel and into the net for the 1-0 lead.

The Eddies saw recent signings Pablo Cruz and FC Edmonton Academy product Bruno Zebie making their Eddies debuts midway through the half.  It was also the younger Zebie’s first appearance as a professional.

Five minutes from time, Zebie and Jalali linked up to level the score at 1-1. Zebie brought down a long ball for Jalali, whose volley from 25 yards hit the post before rebounding off the back of Ford for the equalizer and eventual draw.

“I thought Matt VanOekel’s play was sound and I thought the play of our back four was sound, “ FC Edmonton head coach Colin Miller said. “We limited them to very few scoring opportunities. Our attitude towards defending and the work that we’ve put in as a group is there for all to see.”