Strikers Set to Take on FC Edmonton Sunday
The Strikers are set to travel to Edmonton for their final regular season meeting between both teams on Sunday. At stake is placement for the playoffs as well as tie breaker; implications which would be important at season’s end.
Previous meetings
Last April FC Edmonton won their inaugural game in Fort Lauderdale by a score of 2 -1. Edmonton was able to overcome a 1-0 deficit behind goals from Shaun Saiko and Daniel Antoniuk respectively.
The Strikers won the second meeting by a 3 – 0 scoreline. In that match Brian Shriver led the way for the Strikers, scoring two goals.
The third meeting of the season saw the Strikers earn a 1- 1 draw in their first trip to Edmonton.
This will be the Strikers third match in eight days. Before their trip to Edmonton, coach Daryl Shore made the most out of their final training session before Sunday’s match.
The Strikers need to earn one point from their final three games to clinch a playoff spot.
“We are not content with just making the playoffs,” said Strikers head coach Daryl Shore. ”Now that the goal is almost all but obtained it’s important for us to have a home game in the playoffs. Our team and more importantly the fans deserve it.”
Matchup to watch
Bryan Arguez against Shaun Saiko
Holding midfielder Bryan Arguez may have the duty of marking the Canadian playmaker Shaun Saiko. Both players have represented their respective countries at the U-21 level. Arguez has represented the USA and Saiko has represented Canada.
Saiko has been key to the Edmonton attack, contributing nine goals and five assists. Both are team highs. Arguez on the other hand saw his role increase with the suspension of Eduardo Coudet.
Coach Shore commented, “Saiko has been playing well and he’s a dangerous guy. We didn’t get to play against him the last time we were up there because he was suspended.”
Playoff picture
At stake for both teams is the much-coveted 4th position in the standings. Finishing 4th means being able to host a playoff game at home in the first round of the playoffs.
A win for Edmonton, who has already clinched a playoff spot with their dramatic win over the visiting Atlanta Silverbacks on Wednesday, means they will have a five-point advantage over the Strikers.
A win for the Strikers puts them in fourth place with a game in hand over Edmonton.
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I almost feel as sense of loss, that this is the last home game of the season. I spent all winter pouring over any news that pertained to the NASL, counting down the seconds to the season that is now almost over. I haven’t missed a game yet, and I won’t be missing this one either.