FC Edmonton suffered their first defeat of the Canadian Premier League season against a resurgent Forge FC 3-0 in Hamilton Saturday afternoon.
And FC Edmonton Head Coach Alan Koch was both disappointed and philosophical about the heavy defeat.
“Coming to places like this are going to pose big challenges for us,” said Koch after the game. “And we have a very young group and we’re going to learn from this but we’re fully aware that we’re going to go through moments like this again in the season.
“It’s a long season. It’s an opportunity for us to grow as a group. Opportunity for the players to embrace these challenges.”
Forge pressure early
The Eddies managed to limit Forge FC to few opportunities early in the first half. But the hosts Forge broke through FC Edmonton defence in the 31st minute with Kyle Bekker forcing a save out of Andreas Vaikla in the 31st minute.
The Eddies’ defence came under more pressure which led to a penalty on a high boot in the box near Forge FC’s Garven Metusala in the 34th minute. Terran Campbell stepped up to the spot and saw his shot saved. But the Forge forward managed to put away rebound to open the scoring.
Forge FC would increased their lead in the 45th minute on a great pass by Terran Campbell to Tristan Borges for an simple second goal.
FC Edmonton respond but Forge grab third
FC Edmonton nearly got one back in the second half on a great redirection by Mamadi Camara in the 58th minute. But it was deemed offside.
In the 69th minute, Terran Campbell notched his second goal of the game on a cross from Aboubacar Sissoko to put Forge FC ahead 3-0.
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The Eddies still showed some effort with Wesley Timoteo forcing Forge keeper Triston Henry into a save on a looping shot in 80th minute.
Woobens Pacius had two opportunities to score the fourth goal for Forge FC in the 85th minute. First, off a Chris Nanco cross, then off a corner that bounced in his direction and nearly put in.
‘Killer week’ continues for FC Edmonton
In the end, it was a disappointing result for the Eddies especially considering their upcoming schedule. Edmonton’s club faces a difficult stretch with their next two games in seven days with cross-country travel.
“This is a killer week were about to go on,” said Koch. “Flying to Ontario and then back tomorrow and then playing Pacific on Wednesday and then flying to the Maritimes.”
With FC Edmonton losing, it puts Forge FC into a playoff position and the Eddies will need to rebound quickly from this performance when they host the reigning Canadian Premier League Champions Pacific FC in Edmonton on Wednesday, April 27.
