FC Edmonton fought hard to claim a second draw of the Canadian Premier League season, against York United FC in a physical game in the snow at Clarke Stadium Thursday.
“We are the underdogs but we’re a team that’s going to fight until the bitter end,” said FC Edmonton head coach Alan Koch after the game. “Everything I’ve learned about the DNA of Edmonton in the last year that I’ve been here. That’s who this city is.”
FC Edmonton start well despite poor weather
The Eddies began the game well despite the snow. A pass by Tobias Warschewski lead to an opportunity that Julian Ulbricht crossed into the box that York United keeper Nico Giantsopoulos parried away in the 4th minute. Another cross by Warschewski in the 15th minute caused problems as FC Edmonton started to push.
York United did get their opportunities. In the 17th minute Diyaeddine Abzi put a free kick on target forcing FC Edmonton goalkeeper Andreas Vaikla into a save. In the 43rd minute Abzi put a ball into the box that Osaze De Rosario got a great opportunity on but scuffed the ball wide.
FC Edmonton scores another late equalizer
In the second half York United got the first opportunity of the half with a point-blank header in the 50th minute that Vaikla stopped. Both teams traded opportunities until Osaze De Rosario in the 82nd minute scored on a great pass by Sebastian Gutierrez Atehortua to put York United up 1-0.
The lead did not last long as FC Edmonton tied it up on a shot by Mastanabal Kacher set up by CJ Smith in the 84th minute. As both teams pushed for possession and a winner, the game would turn ugly. Smith and Abzi clashed leading to an altercation earning Abzi a yellow card and Smith a red in the 85th minute.
Koch appreciates support despite poor weather
FC Edmonton will be happy with the result and leaving home with two draws to start the season. Alan Koch was appreciative of the support shown for the club after the game even in unpleasant weather.
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“I’ve spent a huge chunk of my life in BC but I’m becoming a very proud Edmontonian because there were a lot of Edmontonians today in the stands and you could hear them,” said Koch. “They weren’t just sitting there.
“It’s a big part of who we are and what we are trying to build together with everyone in this community.”
FC Edmonton will face Forge FC on April 23rd in Hamilton at 2:00pm. The Eddies will want to take advantage of the stumbling Forge team who have allowed four goals on the season and can look to take advantage of the two-time champions.
