FC Edmonton Rides Momentum Into Canadian Derby

Photo credit: Tony Lewiis/FC Edmonton

FC Edmonton is hoping to keep pace with the New York Cosmos at the top of the Fall Season and Combined Standings – currently trailing by three and four points, with a game in hand – and enters Friday night’s clash against Canadian rival Ottawa Fury FC on a six-game unbeaten streak. The Eddies’ success has been similar to the route Ottawa took to The Championship Final last year: relying on a strong back line and goalkeeping performance. FC Edmonton shot-stopper Matt VanOekel is currently on track to set several goalkeeping records in 2016, while the club has conceded just 10 goals in 20 games. After a slew of 1-0 games before a 0-0 draw last Sunday against Puerto Rico FC, FC Edmonton (7W-2D-1L, 23 points) will want to ratchet up its attacking play against Ottawa.

Fury FC is coming off two consecutive home games – most recently a 1-1 draw with Indy Eleven – which has certainly boosted the club’s morale despite being an injury-hit side. Ottawa has recently gone to young goalkeeper Marcel DeBellis in the past two games with Fury FC (3-2-6, 11) putting in two strong defensive performances in those contests. Ottawa will hope the recent momentum can continue in the Canadian Derby in an effort to start an ascent up the standings. 

Match Information
7 p.m. ET | Friday, September 2
TD Place | Ottawa, Ontario
Watch | ESPN3 (National – U.S.), NASL.com (National – Canada), Rogers TV (Local – Ottawa)