Thanks to a solid core and some judicious additions, coach Colin Miller is excited about FC Edmonton as the NASL season kicks off this weekend.
Edmonton went 3-0-1 during a pre-season visit to Scotland, where Miller spent the bulk of his playing career.
“There’s lot of work to be done still, but we’re making some good strides forward,” Miller said ahead of Saturday’s game against Rayo OKC at Miller Stadium in Oklahoma City.
“We played some good stuff when we were in Scotland,” he added.
Edmonton finished 10th in the 11-team league in the 2015 spring season, finishing at 2-5-3 after a slow start. The team improved in the fall season, posting a 7-8-5 mark.
“It’s a very strong group that remained with us,” said Miller. “So there’s a lot of continuity.”
Returning players include goalkeeper Matt VanOekel, captain/defender Albert Watson and forward Daryl Fordyce.
Additions include Canadian international Nik Ledgerwood, a native of Lethbridge, Alta., who will play in central midfield.
“A marquee signing for the club … a great pro,” said Miller.
The club has made an offer to former Canadian international Terry Dunfield, who is also mulling over a broadcasting opportunity.
“When you get to that stage of your career you have to consider all of your options,” Miller said of the 34-year-old midfielder. “And that’s what he’s doing at the moment.”
Adam Eckersley, the older brother of former Toronto FC defender Richard Eckersley, has been added at left fullback. Miller watched him help Hearts win promotion last season in Scotland, calling the 30-year-old the best left back in the Scottish Championship.
“He could develop into arguably the best left back in our league as well,” he said.
Like midfielder Ritchie Jones, Eckersley came through the Manchester United academy. Jones is currently recovering from a knee injury.
Another highly touted newcomer is 31-year-old Brazilian midfielder Gustavo, who is still gaining match fitness after arriving late in camp.
“He’s certainly one that is capable of changing a game,” Miller said.
The Eddies coach is also high on 18-year-old midfielder Shamit Shome, who started for the Canadian under-20 team in its recent 2-1 win over England.
“We have very very high hopes for young Shamit — arguably the top player that’s come out of our academy,” said Miller.
“He has been well groomed through our academy and doesn’t look out of place in the first team,” he added.
Miller, who played 61 times for Canada and served as interim head coach of the national team, is proud of FC Edmonton’s academy and the work done by Jeff Paulus, who doubles as assistant coach and academy head.
“I’d put our academy against any in the country,” said Miller.
He showed his faith in the youngsters by bringing 16-year-old forward Tyrell Leslie to Scotland for pre-season when Jones was injured.
“We’re not afraid to play the young Canadians in the first team, if they’re good enough and if they’re ready and if they show the right attitude.”
While there is plenty of experience on the Edmonton roster, Miller points to young Canadians like Shome, Mallan Roberts and Sadi Jalali. He also believes that 27-year-old right back Eddie Edward deserves attention from the Canadian national team braintrust.
Edmonton’s home opener is April 10 against Minnesota United FC, whose roster includes former Eddies midfielder Lance Laing. The Jamaican international was an important part of Edmonton’s offence last season.
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