Matchday Preview 6: Concentration & Luck
Eddies look to maintain physical and mental effort against tough Indy challenge
Building on Recent Success
The Eddies have strung together two wins in a row, and they have done it in a fashion that is a combination of hard work and sheer luck.
Both wins have seen FCE’s opponents frustrated by a stalwart defensive effort, led by Papé Diákité and his league-leading 44 clearances (Alves of the Fury has 28 in second behind him). The defense not only comes form the towering Senegalese centre-half, but also from the unit as a whole with Watson and Edward being standouts, helped in part by Ledgerwood shoring up the middle.
In the previous match against Jacksonville, the second half in particular, contained some of the Eddies better offensive showings so far this season. Not only was space found on the wings, but passes were finding their targets there too. To add to that, the attacking unit enjoyed spells of possession on the wings that at times utilized the central midfielders and strikers to good effect. This resulted in either shots on goal or set pieces. It was by no means a sudden change, but it was encouraging to see this team string together positive and effective possessions in attack.
Projected Lineup
Dustin Corea was curiously absent from the roster on Wednesday night, but Steven Sandor reports that he is expected to be in the squad tomorrow. Nyassi should return after missing out due to an appointment with INS (US Immigration) to take care of his green card. Plumhoff, Nyassi & Gustavo would represent offence-only options off the bench for Miller.
Raudales has been sent home after injuring his calf on Wednesday. Fordyce will likely come in—as he did on Wednesday—for Raudales. Shome played well in his 2nd start, nearly scoring, and may have done enough to keep his spot alongside Ledgerwood.
Eckersley and Ameobi, among others, did not make the trip. ‘Minimal’ is a good word to describe FCE’s bench last time out, listing only 4 subs, one of whom was an injured Mallan Roberts.
The Opposition
Indy Eleven are undefeated this season and, like their visitors, go into this match off two wins. On top of recent results, the approach of both these teams to their games so far are also similar. Both prefer to sustain pressure from their opponents and hope to exploit the spaces in transition.
A marked difference between the two squads would be in their offensive qualities. Indy has fared better in generating goals—5 to the Eddies 3—while having played one game less. Two of those goals have come off set piece situations. Indy also has shown they can generate, on average, more chances despite having had less possession in all of their games, and key to this difference is that they have proven they can score in open play, something that the Eddies have yet to prove they can do.
Coach Hankinson has several tools in the shed that will present challenges to the Eddies’ defensive corps. Eamon Zayed is a big physical presence who can hold the ball up well and lay the ball off to other forwards and players. Jair Reinoso is the other striker who is good with the ball at his feet and is good at one-on-ones, look for him to try and stretch out the defence. Justin Braun did well filling in as a backup striker against the Cosmos, and presents an attacking option off the bench.
Down the flanks, Ubiparipovic—former Fury—and the fullback Vukovic will present an challenge for Eddie Edward down the right side. Nicki Paterson—another former Fury—holds the middle and will look to exert his influence in the centre of play. Indy is strong defensively as well and have Colin Falvey—yet another former Fury—partnering with the imposing Greg Janicki.
Given the strength both these teams have defensively it is hard to envision how this game will play out. That said, Indy is playing at home and may be keen on attacking and maintaining possession knowing how poorly FCE has been moving forward. That of course would be a gamble on Indy’s part. If Hankinson decides to play a defensive game, Edmonton have to hope their good possessions on the wing in the 2nd half against Jacksonville carry over into Saturday.
Set pieces will also play a crucial part, Edmonton has shown some lapses defensively this season and will have to work hard to maintain concentration. Down the other end, FCE has had a good run of set pieces lately and have had more of their better chances—and two-thirds of their goals—come from them. Ultimately this game may come down to one or two moments of either individual brilliance or—more likely a quick lapse in concentration leading to a goal. Expect a low-scoring affair ending in a draw or by just a single goal.
Notes
Fort McMurray is a city north of Edmonton, and a place where FCE played two NASL matches last season. Many of you have already heard of the wildfires that have ravaged parts of that city and the surrounding region. 80,000 people have been evacuated, a few of whom have lost their homes or face the threat of losing them. As of the writing of this preview, the fire has reached 101,000 hectares in size and, given the weather outlook, it could be quite some time before the flames subside.
On a personal level, I know of at least one FCE supporter who lived in the area. He and his family have lost their home. Thankfully, they are safe with relatives in British Columbia. They are trying to settle down after the chaos, have found sufficient help, and are now riding this storm out. It is a connection that repeats itself all over this province, none of us are removed from this tragedy on a personal level.
Perhaps this is why the response of ordinary people has been anything but. I keep seeing individual acts and efforts that are going above and beyond to help ease the burden and anxiety on our neighbours. Sure enough, soccer in Alberta is stepping up and doing their part. Calgary Foothills of the PDL play host to FCE’s Academy tomorrow—in what I shall henceforth call the ‘Al Clasico’—and will be taking donations at the gate for what will be a free match.
This isn’t limited to just our province nor our national borders. I echo fellow FCE supporters in expressing our gratitude to the Dark Clouds that they will be using their viewing party this week as a fundraiser and donating the proceeds to Red Cross Canada.
And this is where I start speaking to you. There are numerous ways you can help, both individually and collectively. No matter how far physically you are from our province, you—yes, even you south of our border—can still help. Please follow this link and donate any amount to Red Cross Canada. A lot has been raised so far, so much more will be needed later.
The club itself is also collaborating with the Edmonton Food Bank and taking donations of non-perishable food items for the next two home games, the Cup game vs. Ottawa on Wednesday and Sunday against the Cosmos.
It would feel weird for me to say thank you, instead I will let the supporter I spoke of above do it himself:
