FC Edmonton lost their fourth match of the Canadian Premier League Island Games with a 2-1 defeat to Winnipeg’s Valour FC. The result leaves the Eddies anchored at the bottom of the table with only a single point.
Here are some talking points after Saturday’s results
1. FC Edmonton’s failure to score
The Eddies have failed to score at key points this year exemplified by the missed opportunities in this game. Tomi Ameobi missed a crucial goal opportunity that would have had the Eddies up by one in the 86th minute. And it would prove to be important because just moments later Valour FC’s Mastanabal Kasher would go on to score the winner and hold the Eddies off for a victory.
With the Eddies all but mathematically eliminated, it will be important to test some of the younger players on the roster to see what they may be able to bring to the team next year.
2. FC Edmonton manager Paulus in a tough position
It has been a tough tournament for the Eddies and manager Jeff Paulus looked to take some of the burden off the players after Saturday’s game by admitting some things may need to change at the club.
“I like this team,” said Paulus after the match. “I like this group of players we have so it starts with me I’ve got to look at myself and I’ve been at this club for nine years and a lot of the players have been with me for all that time and maybe they need a new voice.”
It is a moment the players will need to reflect on going into the next game. Knowing that the only thing left is to play for is pride and to get a win before the end of the tournament
3. Fordyce returns to face old team
It was a bittersweet feeling for some fans as former FC Edmonton player Daryl Fordyce returned against the Eddies on Saturday.
Fordyce’s return against Edmonton was eventful scoring a goal against his former team and finding some good opportunities going forward and showed that he still has some of the goal scoring he showed in Edmonton as the All-time goals leader in FC Edmonton history.
The Eddies next game will be against York9 FC on Sept. 1 at 6pm MST/ 4pm EST
