By: Nathan Terlesky
With two games in five days (both against 2010 finalists no less), FC Edmonton showed some composure on the pitch. Losing 1-0 against Carolina and beating the snot out of Puerto Rico 3-0, Edmonton showed that they can stand with the best in the league. However, as is the usual result in soccer, it was not without some losses.
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The injury bug bit Edmonton hard. Within a few weeks, the club lost a stellar backup (some would argue that he should be a starter) in Lance Parker. With a defensive player of the week under his belt, and an unquestionable role as backup to Rein Baart, Lance Parker was called in to mind the netting for Edmonton against Carolina. Unfortunately late in the game, he was forced to punch away a ball, and landed awkwardly on his arm, causing a compound fracture. Parker was released from the hospital yesterday and was able to attend some of the game. While his season is most likely over, the club believes that Parker will stay in Edmonton for the remainder of the season, and has even brought his mother up to help care for him. Talking to club officials last night, the team is also very optimistic about his rehabilitation skills, and expect him to return in the same form as before when he is fully healed.
That being said, Paul Matthijs will also be missing the rest of the season, as he requires surgery on a hernia. While Paul Hamilton demonstrated skill and composure in the back line against Puerto Rico, the veteran Dutchman will be missed for his ability to mentor the young Calgarian.
On a positive note, there are several rumours floating around the club about returning players. Chris Lemire, injured in a reserves game, is close to coming back, and appears medically cleared. Lemire broke two ribs and punctured a lung when pressing for a goal, but was in good spirits and appeared hungry to get back on the pitch for the Eddies after the game Wednesday night. Kyle Yamada also suffered an injury and has not been seen since hurting his ankle against FC Tampa Bay, but was at the game and is reportedly not on the injured list for Edmonton. Yamada has been a key ingredient for Edmonton in its offense. Alex Semenets is listed as day-to-day, and hopefully will be making his return to Edmonton as well.
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I have always been interested in the culture that goes on in sports fans, and was able to be a part of a legacy for FC Edmonton last Friday. While Edmonton missed several good chances to draw against Carolina, there was an incident in the later moments of the game which will enter into Eddies lore. For those who don’t know, Carolina appeared to score a second goal late in the match, but the play was mysteriously stopped by whistle from outside the field of play. The incident, in the greatest soccer tradition, has become known to the Edmonton Supporters Group as the “Whistle of God” and has caused an official warning and a no whistle rule to be put into effect by the club. It may not have been the most controversial moment in sports, but to a fledgling team and supporter group, it was something that we can identify with, and be proud that we have an incident that we can stand behind.