A collection of local soccer players got a taste of the pro game last week, as FC Edmonton came to town for an exhibition tilt.
The North American Soccer League (NASL) side from the Alberta capital was making a five-game preseason jaunt through B.C., and last Wednesday’s clash with the Abby Selects at Abbotsford Senior Secondary’s turf field marked the midway point.
FC Edmonton prevailed 4-0 over the Selects, who were coached by University of the Fraser Valley bench boss Alan Errington and featured UFV players, potential Cascades recruits, and youngsters from the Abbotsford Magnuson Ford Soccer Club.
“We didn’t play as UFV, because we were missing nine players due to injury and school commitments,” Errington explained.
“It was literally men against boys. We had some 17-year-olds playing, and they had their first team out. They’re a very good side, they’re fit, and they’re playing very well.”
FC Edmonton has significant local connections – coach Colin Miller spent the better part of a decade as head coach of the Abbotsford Soccer Association, and midfielder Gagan Dosanjh is an Abby native. Dosanjh did not play vs. the Selects due to a knee injury.
Daryl Fordyce, Edem Mortotsi, Eddie Edward and Sadi Jalali scored for Edmonton in the lopsided victory, but Errington felt the experience was valuable to his charges.
“We wanted to give the players an opportunity to see what that (pro) level is like,” he said. “It gives you a chance to see where you’re at and judge yourself. Some of the younger players did very well.”
