New Soccer Franchise in Edmonton?

[GizmoForMayor]

Edmonton's back in the game
Merger opens door for expansion team in 2011

"The Montreal Impact and Vancouver Whitecaps will be part of the NASL Conference, along with Carolina, St. Louis, Baltimore and Miami. The USL Conference will have Minnesota, Tampa, Rochester, Portland, Puerto Rico and Austin.

In 2011, it is expected the USL and NASL will be strong enough to run as separate entities. At that time, Edmonton and Atlanta will join the NASL as expansion franchises, while Vancouver will leave for Major League Soccer, the First Division league in North America."

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/sport...906/story.html

---

I think this would be fantastic...however as always the key question will be where they will play. Commonwealth is too big and everything else is too small. The best solution might be to expand Foote Field slightly.

Any thoughts / more information on this development?

[IanO]

i still question our appetite for 'professional' soccer here...

[GizmoForMayor]

I think there is plenty of appetite (shown by various well-attended friendlies), but I think it can only succeed with a medium sized stadium (5-15,000 people). There is zero atmosphere at Commonwealth if it's 90% empty...which I think is a key reason previous attempts at pro soccer in Edmonton have failed. These days there is also the NutriLite Champion's League which would bring TFC, Whitecaps, Impact and potentially even bigger teams to town. This never previously existed.

[GizmoForMayor]

and Division II soccer (which the NASL will be) has gained quite a bit of respect since the days of the Aviators/Edmonton FC, mostly because of the NutriLite championship and the emergence of the Whitecaps and Impact as major forces.

[GizmoForMayor]

just found this forum, if anyone is interested in finding out more:

http://www.canadian-soccer.com/forum...55&whichpage=1

[jmart81]

One off the wall stadium situation is using Telus Field. In Portland, the soccer and baseball team used the same stadium for years. Not sure if it's a realistic option, but you never know.

[howie]

^ From a cost point of view it probably is a realistic option, but say it ain't so. Apart from the hideous spectacle of watching soccer on a field with gridiron markings, there's nothing worse than watching soccer on a converted baseball park with that diamond 'patch' in one corner. A properly marked pitch at Foote Field seems like the best option to me.

[Old time Hockey]

Foote field does look like the best option if this were to happen. It is too bad Clarke does not exist anymore or this would be a no brainer. Unfortunately, I am too busy golfing and enjoying summer to bother with going to a soccer game unless it was my kids. I don't think soccer will make it here professionally other than having big international games in Commonwealth. And I don't mean having some pro clubs from South America and Europe playing with their "B" squads.

[Edmcowboy11]

Well something would be nice to see for this city but if they are to try anything I agree that Foote field should be the field choice rather than Commonwealth. Start small and build from there.

[howie]

Originally Posted by GizmoForMayor

just found this forum, if anyone is interested in finding out more:

http://www.canadian-soccer.com/forum...55&whichpage=1

Thanks. I tried that link, Giz, but it's dead. Here's one that works: http://www.canadian-soccer.com/

[GizmoForMayor]

It sounds as though it's very likely we are going go get another franchise next year, when the Vancouver Whitecaps' USL/NASL franchise 'moves' to Edmonton to make way for the new MLS franchise there. I'm very excited about this!
I really think it can work, as long as the team doesn't play in Commonwealth (except, perhaps, for really big matches). Foote Field (the soccer side) could easily be expanded ala Swanguard in Vancouver to hold between 5-10,000.
Now, how about Edmonton City FC......? Or keep the Drillers moniker?

[howie]

Exciting news for sure. Drillers? Naw. I'm a bit of a traditionalist about team names. I vote for ECFC.

[Kevlar]

That should be Edmonton Soccer Club (Edmonton SC) or Edmonton Association Football Club (Edmonton AFC). We already have a "football" club, the Edmonton Eskimos Football Club.

[GizmoForMayor]

I like just 'FC' because it's a nod to the rich tradition of the sport... past efforts to bring the game to Canada have failed partly, in my mind, because they tried to 'north-americanize' the game. This won't do if the franchise is to attract the hardcore fans who are often very traditionalists. I think Toronto FC did it right and they are reaping the benefits with a team which has gone far beyond expectations in terms of popularity. Edmonton City FC would be my choice because, as far as I know, there is no 'City' club in North America yet. Of course at the end of the day there are a lot of other issues far more important than the name, but it's fun to speculate anyways...

[howie]

^ +1

[GizmoForMayor]

Original Drillers help resurrect pro soccer in Edmonton

EDMONTON — Nearly 30 years after the demise of the Drillers, professional soccer will be returning to Edmonton with a few familiar faces.

With the financial backing of Tom and Dave Fath, owners of Fath Sports; the local soccer knowledge of Mel Kowalchuk and Joe Petrone; and the coaching of Dwight Lodeweges and Hans Schrijver, the team will join the North American Soccer League (NASL) for the 2011 season.

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/...097/story.html

[GizmoForMayor]

"The team will play initially in either Foote Field or Clarke Park, but because of NASL rules will have to find a new home with no football markings. That, said Kowalchuk, likely will mean a new stadium."

Sounds delicious...

[etownboarder]

Who's going to build a new stadium for soccer? Is the City of Edmonton supposed to pay for this? I wonder if it could be built near the new arena somewhere?

[GizmoForMayor]

The Saputo stadium in Montreal was privately financed, with the city providing the land. This might be a model to be followed here, but I doubt it would be in/near downtown. Maybe a permanent expansion of Foote Field (the soccer side) would work, given the LRT access...

[GizmoForMayor]

link to new (temp) website:

fcedmonton.com

Can't wait for this...

[debos]

Stadium in works

• FC Edmonton will kick off its exhibition campaign this season on the football turf at Foote Field but owner Tom Fath said plans are underway for a soccer-specific stadium in the near future.
• Plans are in their infancy but Fath said he envisions a 7,000- to 11,000-seat stadium with expansion capabilities.

This could be great not only for soccer in Edmonton. Where would all you c2e'ers like to see a small to medium size stadium?


http://www.metronews.ca/edmonton/loc...ropean-flavour

[IanO]

south campus or north of telus field:>

[grish]

Originally Posted by debos

Stadium in works
Where would all you c2e'ers like to see a small to medium size stadium?

part of the downtown arena where the practice hockey rink is supposed to go or on the roof top... that's what I would like to see. what will be is an entirely different story. probably will end up somewhere south of elerslie.

[Hilman]

Knock over Rexall Place and put it there

[Renton]

Good news. All I can say though, is these guys better have their game together.

Especially when you consider they'll be competing with the Eskies and Capitals in the summer sports market. Sure, the true footy-heads will no doubt support the club, but that alone won't keep a franchise afloat. Winning over the casual fan will be crucial. Which will be no easy feat considering the Eskimos are a local institution with a storied history and winning tradition, while the Capitals enjoys a gorgeous river-valley location and are attached to a mega-sized marketing machine in the form of Rexall/Oilers.

As for the stadium itself, I'm not sure about the ideal location. Unlike an indoor arena, I'm not convinced that a dowtown option is necessarily the best, but something central would be nice. Would something near Whyte make any sense (say Strathcona Park)? Or like Telus, a river-valley location (next to the baseball stadium as IanO suggested, or maybe across the river in Queen E park)? Of course, South Campus is always an option as well.

[howie]

^ Well, it's early days and South Campus is ready to use, so I've no problem with that location right now. True, and if this venture does take off, I like some of your other suggestions. As a "footy-head" myself I'll be there on game days. I think where the club has to concentrate is on the huge number of kids who are involved in the sport (far more, I believe, than in any other) and get them and their parents to the games. On the club website, it looks like they already are establishing an academy and are inviting local youth for tryouts. That's a good strategy for bolstering local support. All power to them.

[etownboarder]

Originally Posted by Hilman

Knock over Rexall Place and put it there

That's not such a bad idea actually... great LRT access, and Northlands could manage the property if needed.

[GizmoForMayor]

Portsmouth, Colo-Colo and Vitoria coming to town in the next few months...pretty damn impressive actually:



FC Edmonton eyes big prey

EDMONTON — Mario Allende, admittedly not even a card-carrying supporter of Colo-Colo, was among the first to applaud the news that Chile's soccer giants will play an exhibition game against FC Edmonton.

The June 20 match at Commonwealth Stadium will be Colo-Colo's first in Canada.

"I would say that we in the Chilean community think this is even bigger news than the presidential election," said Allende after it was announced on Tuesday that FC Edmonton will also play Vitoria, of Brazil's Premier Division, and Portsmouth's Blues.

Read more: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/sport...336/story.html

[Edmcowboy11]

I think south campus works just fine. Foote Field is right at an LRT station or if they want to build a new soccer stadium on the other side of the LRT station that would be good too.

[etownboarder]

I would be cool with another stadium for Soccer at South Campus... could be used by the U of A when not in use.

[kkozoriz]

Or build it by NAIT on the airport lands. Soon to be next to the LRT as well.

[etownboarder]

Originally Posted by kkozoriz

Or build it by NAIT on the airport lands. Soon to be next to the LRT as well.

Yep... another great idea. I'm sure NAIT could use a decent facility of this size for their own athletic programs.

[Replacement]

The new schedule:

June 16 Montreal Impact 7:35pm
June 20 Colo Colo @ Commonwealth Stadium
June 27 Vitória July 6 Ottawa Fury 7:35pm
July 21 Portsmouth @ Commonwealth Stadium
August 11 Victoria Highlanders 7:35pm
August 15 Spokane Spiders 2:05pm
August 28 Miami FC 7:35pm

I think they've really nailed this and the right mix of venue. Exactly how I would set it up. Most games at Foote Field and some at Commonwealth. This makes for a better gate potential overall but while still affording fans an upclose look at the team in intimate surroundings for most of the games.

Can't wait.

Only thing is the website needs to get better and no provision for buying seats online at all. Plus not even an explanation of what constitutes general admission at Foote Field. A seating chart would be nice. Can't find one anywhere for Foote field.
I'll splurge for the seasons tickets. lol. I wonder what prices will be for the 8 game package.

[etownboarder]

Originally Posted by Replacement

Only thing is the website needs to get better and no provision for buying seats online at all. Plus not even an explanation of what constitutes general admission at Foote Field. A seating chart would be nice. Can't find one anywhere for Foote field.
I'll splurge for the seasons tickets. lol. I wonder what prices will be for the 8 game package.

Send an email with your concerns... the success of the team may depend on having these concerns met. I'm sure you're not the only one who feels this way.

[Replacement]

Originally Posted by etownboarder

Send an email with your concerns... the success of the team may depend on having these concerns met. I'm sure you're not the only one who feels this way.

Will do. In the time it takes me to complain about it I might as well.

edit: Done. Hope they respond.

[DTrobotnik]

in case anyone actually looked for this

http://www.fcedmonton.com/

[Replacement]

Originally Posted by Replacement

Will do. In the time it takes me to complain about it I might as well.

edit: Done. Hope they respond.

Well I did get a prompt reply just figured I'd post it up here:

Thank you very much for your input and glad to hear that you joined us last
year and will be joining us again at our games.

You are very correct about it being helpful to have a seating diagram of
Foote field online. We found out that one didn't exist for the location, so
we have had to create our own and are just putting the final touches on it.
We will be posting it online very soon.

As for the package ticket pricing, we already have pricing available for
ticket packs for our 5 games, so I hope this is what you were looking for on
that. As for the international games, we just finalized the ticket prices
for those and will be putting them online this morning. We also have ticket
packs available for those games. TicketMaster is just getting everything
ready and will be starting to sell tickets this Thursday, June 10 (we will
post all of the information and the link on fcedmonton.com).

Thank you again for your interest and feel free to contact us with any
further thoughts or questions.

Looking forward to seeing you at our games,

---
Eric Fath-Kolmes
FC Edmonton

I would have preferred an overall "Seasons ticket" package for all 8 games but doesn't look like they are going that way. Tickets for internationals priced and on sale for June 10th. The first international will definitely suffer with short notice and short sales span.

[booster]

Bump this thread.
First home game coming up at Commonwealth on April 27th. And they won their first game at Fort Lauderdale last weekend. Nice to have professional football (soccer for N.A. types) back in the city

[howie]

Website says $16.75 for a general ticket for the Commonwealth game. I'm cool with that.

[Replacement]

Wheres the majority of C2E boosters in this?

FC Edmonton could prove to be a great addition to Edmonton's sports profile and could get to be high profile in time. In addition to being a conduit to higher profile matches and continued tournaments.

I just find it odd sometimes how much enthusiasm there is here for events like Edmonton Indy and then when something like this roles around its meh, and no reaction whatsoever.

Of course I'm going to the game today. Some of the Edmonton boosters on this board indicated they would try to get behind this and show more support in the team.

Its time.

This is all about civic pride as well as sports. Edmonton on a stage today taking on Toronto FC @ Commonwealth 6pm.

[PJC]

I hear the plan is to eventually absorb this team into MSL, much like they're doing with the Vancouver and Montreal franchises. Maybe in three to five years.

[christopherj]

It won't be 3-5 years... but, if we get good support behind the team, it could be possible in 10-15. The owner certainly has high hopes.

I won't be there tonight, but will be going to a handful of games this season. I'm really looking forward to it.

[howie]

I was at the game tonight and it was a very creditable performance from the lads. Going behind to an offside goal is never a good start and then getting a player sent off was a definite setback. But the team played hard and honest - can't ask for more than that.

It will be good to get to Foote Field, though. Attendance always looks sparse at Commonwealth. And kudos to our fans, they are a loud and vocal bunch.

[Replacement]

Originally Posted by howie

I was at the game tonight and it was a very creditable performance from the lads. Going behind to an offside goal is never a good start and then getting a player sent off was a definite setback. But the team played hard and honest - can't ask for more than that.

It will be good to get to Foote Field, though. Attendance always looks sparse at Commonwealth. And kudos to our fans, they are a loud and vocal bunch.

Didn't notice that they ever announced the attendance but it seemed a bit better than I expected. Around 10K maybe? Considering awful weather, wind, raining, cold, and an early weekday start(basically everything possible wrong to attract walkup) this was a reasonable turnout.

I thought they could have done a bit more just as basics. For Instance a match handout with player names with background and stats would seem like a given.

As well as a proper announcement of players. The players should be announced as they are standing on the pitch and with closeups of each player on scoreboard. Create some kind of identification given that for most fans this is Edmonton's introduction to the squad. Introducing the players names while they are in the dressingroom is about as impactful as reading a phone book..

Really disorganized affair and I didn't see one program for sale anywhere and couldn't even find where they were selling merchandise.

As usual one concession stand open.

Then the redcard in the 20th minute which pretty much had the effect of throwing cold water on the whole wet affair.

Really this was awful. Possibly my worst experience ever at a soccer match.

Kudos to all the fans and 90% of whom stayed to the end as this match was decided in the first half.

No announcement of thanks for coming out, no acknowledgement whatsoever of the fans, Toronto FC actually went up to their very small contingent, bowed and saluted them and clapped hands to their fans. Edmonton FC wandered around the pitch apparently not knowing this slightest of goodwill initiatives to the home crowd that had come out.

Really its just stupid when the visiting team acknowledges supporters and the home team doesn't.

[Hilman]

The attendance was 5,781 according to the EJ.

[howie]

Replacement: You're quite right with your gripes. I just put it down to it being a fledgling club and all that. I'm sure it'll improve.

Hilman: Thanks for that. 5,000 will fill Foote Field which will create much more atmosphere.

[Replacement]

Originally Posted by howie

Replacement: You're quite right with your gripes. I just put it down to it being a fledgling club and all that. I'm sure it'll improve.

Hilman: Thanks for that. 5,000 will fill Foote Field which will create much more atmosphere.

Yeah, thanks. I thought I was just being negative. But the whole night was kind of surreal.
As if a friend invited you to a party, a bunch of people showed up, and the host wasn't there.

It just felt bereft of any aspect of promotion. As in open the big gates, fry some burgers, let 2 clubs on the pitch, and thats it.

It felt as if FC Edmonton forgot to circle the date on the calendar and nobody from the org was home.

I haven't been negative about this org until now. I could see them missing out bigtime on promoting their club to fans tonight. Some people might not be back.
Even coach Sinkgraven said in EJ that you have one chance at first impressions. This was not a good one for anybody that had this as a first experience.
Fortunately I'm an easy hook.

[Redd Foxx]

I didn't have a chance to go last night, but I will attend soon. Hopefully it will improve when I get a chance to see a game.

[Replacement]

Again I'll call this out but its one of the strange things about this board.

Any mention of indy and theres wholesale support and boosterism and people on this board getting behind that initiative and product.

Meanwhile the number 1 sport on the planet trying to take hold again and theres no support whatsoever from the C2E diehards.

Kind of find it odd that people here support indy and trump up the very limited exposure of that product(negligible profile or benefit) and no peep about the sport that gets number 1 exposure in the world by a country mile.

Kind of dropping the ball on this. CSA representatives were all on hand yesterday to see how the turnout was and with a view to scheduling for the Womens 2014, and 2015 tounaments. I wonder if yesterday ended up being another black eye for Edmonton's chances of hosting major games in those tourneys. CSA will be reporting to FIFA on the facilities, City, hotels, support, etc.

This was huge, and C2E regulars predictably didn't support this initiative one iota.

Really whats this board for if it doesn't support events, improve Edmonton's profile, and increase our collective standing as a community?

How does Soccer not count in that?

Yeah, disappointed.

[booster]

Two of my staff went on their own dime. Sadly I could not make it but plan on going to a future game. And we have been pushing it with our guests. We know of 2 that went. We will continue to push as I agree it is the number 1 sport. Just people have to know about it.

[Replacement]

Originally Posted by booster

Two of my staff went on their own dime. Sadly I could not make it but plan on going to a future game. And we have been pushing it with our guests. We know of 2 that went. We will continue to push as I agree it is the number 1 sport. Just people have to know about it.

Thanks booster

I acknowledge your ongoing interest in the product and the potential thats here.
But why such a disconnect overall though in this community?

FC Toronto is the cool urbane product and latest buzz must checkout scene in Toronto. The Impact are loved in Montreal, the Whitecaps always popular in Vancouver.

Why in Edmonton is the same urban contingent so disconnected with this product? Which is only an LRT skip away. Which is advertized on the LRT.

Understand for instance that I've had the conversation with many people here before to try to spread he word and who have known that this is happening and have indicated they would get behind it next time..

Did anybody else go?

[christopherj]

^ to be fair, were the Whitecaps always loved? They games in the NCC over the past few years have had the same attendance as FC Edmonton did last night.

[richardW]

it doesnt help that soccer as a spectator sport is boring as hell. almost as bad as baseball but baseball at least comes with the obligation of getting slightly wasted

[howie]

I don't get this apparent blank stare that football gets in this city, either. It's not like any of the 'usual' sports teams here are burning up the sports columns. Here's a chance for families to get out in the nice season of the year and at reasonable cost, too.

Playing at Commonwealth last night, though, I think was a mistake. Five thousand in there creates no atmosphere whatsoever. If you're going to create a buzz, then a full stadium will do wonders. Then the media gets excited using phrases like 'packed house', 'capacity crowd', etc. and people start to take notice and say, 'hey, this sounds like a good time, let's go to the next game'.

Then the trick is to produce a winning team, or, and I'm not sure that North American audiences are so on board with this, a team that plays attractive football and doesn't win every game - well, the Oilers are pretty duff and still manage to fill the place. It would be unrealistic to expect a new team to win everything in sight, but a team that comes out and gives 100% is always appreciated.

I also like the youth policy and academy setup with FC Edmonton (hell, let's just call them The Blues). That's a major key to future success - look at European clubs. It's not unusual to see kids of six or seven years of age being brought along. Neuer, the German national goalkeeper has been on Schalke 04's books since he was five years old.

So, it's the age old formula: product and promotion. Get heavy on those two and I can see a bright future for The Blues and the beautiful game here.

[Replacement]

Originally Posted by richardW

it doesnt help that soccer as a spectator sport is boring as hell. almost as bad as baseball but baseball at least comes with the obligation of getting slightly wasted

Yeah because watching an indy race go around the track 500times with no lane passing and yellowflags every couple laps is compelling viewing.

I'm not sure that theres any *sport* that is boring as indy. Well baseball of course, and golf.

I keep comparing this to indy because indy for some reason gets all the support of this board and soccer none.

[metro]

I was at the game with 7 others. We had a great time. The NASL is what it is. Hopefully in time we will graduate to the MLS. The crowd last night was a younger crowd, which bodes well for the future. I agree the marketing could be better because the potential is there. My biggest issue with many of my fellow citizens who did not attend are comments like "it's not la liga, or the bpl or whatever European league, so it's not worth it". You need the right attitude and accept that NASL and eventually MLS is the best that we can do in North America (the MLS is a great league!). If you like soccer, this is your chance to create the experience from scratch. The songs, the scarves, the experience! It can be awesome! I bought 2 season tickets last week. Hopefully more people will give the game and the team a chance. Footy fans unite!

[Replacement]

Originally Posted by metro

I was at the game with 7 others. We had a great time. The NASL is what it is. Hopefully in time we will graduate to the MLS. The crowd last night was a younger crowd, which bodes well for the future. I agree the marketing could be better because the potential is there. My biggest issue with many of my fellow citizens who did not attend are comments like "it's not la liga, or the bpl or whatever European league, so it's not worth it". You need the right attitude and accept that NASL and eventually MLS is the best that we can do in North America (the MLS is a great league!). If you like soccer, this is your chance to create the experience from scratch. The songs, the scarves, the experience! It can be awesome! I bought 2 season tickets last week. Hopefully more people will give the game and the team a chance. Footy fans unite!

Agreed with everything. But this was simply an awful football game by MLS or NASL standards. Possibly the worst TFC has looked in years which is saying a lot. Both teams were majorly out of sync. Edmonton played well for the first 30mins but then feel apart as well.

The product on the pitch is usually better than this. In fact every prior Edmonton game has been better than this one.

[grish]

Originally Posted by richardW

it doesnt help that soccer as a spectator sport is boring as hell. almost as bad as baseball but baseball at least comes with the obligation of getting slightly wasted

I find football is like watching the paint dry. They run and bump for 3 seconds and then stand around catching their breath. It takes something like 30 guys per game per team and each guy can only do one thing well enough to be on the field for about a minute at a time. I just don't get the excitememt. Would much rather watch soccer. The trouble is in edmonton soccer enthusiasts would rather play the game than attend one.

[Edmcowboy11]

Well I have to disagree completely that football (soccer) is boring to watch. The ball is constantly moving and there is continual action between players throughout the game. The only other sport that does that as well is hockey and maybe lacross. Baseball is a game of waiting for something to happen and drink in the meantime. American/Canadian Football is similar in that it has constant planned stoppages.
Funny that I read the comments here and those who keep professing that soccer is boring, sound like the people down in southern united states that say that baseball or football is king and hockey is boring to watching and they don't understand what the point is.

[Replacement]

Why on earth would a game May 1st in Edmonton be scheduled for a 7:30pm start time?

So instead of watching a game in bright midday sunshine(which would have been great) its bring the blankets time and forget about kids going to bed and getting ready for school tomorrow.

Its Sunday=should be afternoon game. Should be simple. Not rocket science.

This scheduling stupidity cost them a crowd. Soccer goes great with nice weather, sun shine, and the great outdoors. Not sitting out in the dark in the 2nd half.

[howie]

If we take the EPL as an example, Sunday games are played in the afternoon, but there are plenty of midweek games with a 7:30 start, have been for decades. You know what, I don't mind watching a game under the lights. And as for blankets and such, I don't think that football, being a summer game here, would hardly warrant blankets on a summer evening. You want to stand out in a cold drizzle, UK November style, cheering your lads on. Come on, we're supposed to be supporters.

[Replacement]

Originally Posted by howie

If we take the EPL as an example, Sunday games are played in the afternoon, but there are plenty of midweek games with a 7:30 start, have been for decades. You know what, I don't mind watching a game under the lights. And as for blankets and such, I don't think that football, being a summer game here, would hardly warrant blankets on a summer evening. You want to stand out in a cold drizzle, UK November style, cheering your lads on. Come on, we're supposed to be supporters.

Sure we're supposed to be supporters. But what point is there to playing the game on a sunday evening rather than a sun shining sunday afternoon.

Its that there is no point or known reason thats frustrating. This club needs to do everything right to get support and this is just a stupid move.


If its a midweek game of course I'm not saying this.

[howie]

Maybe there's some kind of scheduling/availability/whatever problem with the club holding the game in the afternoon this week. Who knows? I don't.

If I may have a quick gripe myself: Those bloody grid-iron field markings have to go. There's nowt so hideous as a 'soccer' game being played on a pitch lined out for the crash-helmet stuff. Harrrumph!

[Replacement]

Originally Posted by howie

Maybe there's some kind of scheduling/availability/whatever problem with the club holding the game in the afternoon this week. Who knows? I don't.

If I may have a quick gripe myself: Those bloody grid-iron field markings have to go. There's nowt so hideous as a 'soccer' game being played on a pitch lined out for the crash-helmet stuff. Harrrumph!

All I know is we've had home 2 games so far and both have been strange start times.

Oddly the first game HAD to start early at 6PM on a weeknight because thats what a down east market(Toronto) dictated but this one is just strange. It would be better for Montreal as well for this to be an afternoon game. or at least an early start. A late start on a sunday night is just strange.

Yeah, not sure why they can't get rid of the football grid markings for the soccer season. One of the Nice things about Commonwealth is for once it was soccer only markings.

[howie]

Re. the start time, Joanne Ireland's game preview in this morning's Journal said, "a start time dictated by the venue, not the Edmonton side." So, there you have it.

Enjoy the game. COYB.

[Replacement]

Originally Posted by howie

Re. the start time, Joanne Ireland's game preview in this morning's Journal said, "a start time dictated by the venue, not the Edmonton side." So, there you have it.

Enjoy the game. COYB.

Just for clarity because I researched it this start time is being pre-empted by a Golden Bears practice. Which could take place anywhere, anytime. Even on the Butterdome field.

I dunno, its the U of A facility so of course the Bears take precedent but it doesn't look like theres any consideration of a tenant that could pack the house.

[howie]

Around 2,640 in attendance tonight. Shame our boys went down 4-0 (at least it was when I left with five minutes to go), but beaten by a better side. Poor defensive work, a back line that was all to happy to pass back to the goalie instead of looking for creative openings upfield, and when they did manage to probe further, Montreal had some sturdy, skilful lads at the back who could handle most of the stuff that came their way.

Another red card for Edmonton tonight. Ten minutes or so from the end, goalie Rein Baart came out to collect a through ball with his knee well up catching the Montreal forward in the upper body. Disappointing night.

Oh, and those bloody grid-iron lines. It didn't help that the soccer markings were painted in a deep blue which was very difficult to see. They HAVE to do something about that.

[Replacement]

Originally Posted by howie

Around 2,640 in attendance tonight. Shame our boys went down 4-0 (at least it was when I left with five minutes to go), but beaten by a better side. Poor defensive work, a back line that was all to happy to pass back to the goalie instead of looking for creative openings upfield, and when they did manage to probe further, Montreal had some sturdy, skilful lads at the back who could handle most of the stuff that came their way.

Another red card for Edmonton tonight. Ten minutes or so from the end, goalie Rein Baart came out to collect a through ball with his knee well up catching the Montreal forward in the upper body. Disappointing night.

Oh, and those bloody grid-iron lines. It didn't help that the soccer markings were painted in a deep blue which was very difficult to see. They HAVE to do something about that.

Yeah, unfortunately it was like this last season as well. Except I think they had the Soccer lines some other color than blue. Orange I believe. Not sure who thought Blue lines on a green surface would be very visible.

The other problem is the field. This is just an awful surface. Its like an indoor surface except outside. Oddly enough the only Club I've seen adapt to, and play well on this surface was Colo Colo.

The ball behaves so much differently on this surface. Its really hard to play well on this pitch and do very much at all. Any of the longball passes to the corner for instance bounce way out of bounds. Theres basically no leading guys or passing into spaces on this pitch. Wherever you put the ball its just flying out of bounds.

Its unfortunate as I like the Foote field facility somewhat but that artificial turf is subpar. I couldn't imagine playing tackle football on that surface.

Apparently carpet burn is very common on this surface. Just shreds your legs.

This causes players to be very tentative on this pitch and not at all the way the club was playing in Atlanta and Ft. Lauderdale. Its too bad. But I don't think this surface accomodates the preferred style of play of this club. FCE love to send balls to far off spaces and use the whole pitch, sidelines, sent long balls etc. You just can't do that on this field. Takes their whole using the field and making space game away.

[jamonty]

So what are people's thoughts now that the season is nearly complete? The team has shown well on the field and attendance seems to be steadily increasing despite having a less-than-ideal stadium and fieldturf.
I think FCE will find a place in Edmonton, but the NASL league is still a rickity ship. Geographically, it is a lot of travel, but the level of football (ie. soccer) is quite high. It is a good product, the Faths appear to be solid owners, and with groups like ESG (edm. supporters group) singing and cheering at games, there are good roots for next season, and beyond.

[GizmoForMayor]

I got my season tickets

Things are definitely looking good for the franchise so far, but as I see it the major challenges (which you alluded to) are 1) a mid-sized soccer specific stadium is needed, and 2) we need more teams in the NASL, including closer rivals like Calgary and other Canadian teams.

[ajs]

I've never listened to soccer on the radio before but Steven Sandor and Garreth Hampshire call an entertaining game for FC Edmonton on the Team 1260. A couple of weeks ago I tried to watch a game on Shaw and what a roar. Watching the broadcast of a soccer game on a football field makes a guy want to dig his eyes out. I'll stick to the radio. One of these days I'll splash out and actually buy a ticket. I don't want to sound cheap but I think $20 is a little steep. The Capitals, Pandas/Bears, Prairie Football League are all a better deal at the moment imo.

[GizmoForMayor]

playoffs coming up... should be great excitement

[metro]

I have attended most of the games this year. It has been a blast. The only real issue for me is the football markings on the field. I have heard a rumour that they will be playing a clarke park next year and helping pay for changable turf. There is only one home game left (regular season) on Sunday night. Come on Edmonton, buy a ticket, show your support! It would be a great signal to the Fath brothers that they are on the right track with this team.

[howie]

I've mentioned it before, but soccer on a football field is a deal-breaker for me. Swansea City, newly promoted to the EPL, share their stadium with a pro rugby team. Both seasons run approximately simultaneously. But watch Swansea City and the corresponding rugby team on Setanta and when the soccer team is playing, it's almost impossible to see the rugby field markings, and vice-versa. Home fixtures for both sports alternate weekly and even that frequency will increase with the addition of various cup rounds as the season progresses. What's the problem here in Edmonton?

[jamonty]

I caught a webcast of FCE vs. Montreal when the Rabbit made his intial appearance. The quality of play-by-play from Sandor and Hampshire was top-notch but I agree that the field is less than ideal - not to mention that it is too small! The game becomes quicker given the small bouncy field which has perhaps been to FCE's advantage.
About the ticket price, I think they will be broadening their price range in due course. The season ticket package that is offered for next season is evidence of this.
I'm curious what they will do should they get a home playoff game and whether they opt to leave Foote for Commonwealth or something such... might be too early in the history of the franchise.

[Replacement]

Originally Posted by howie

I've mentioned it before, but soccer on a football field is a deal-breaker for me. Swansea City, newly promoted to the EPL, share their stadium with a pro rugby team. Both seasons run approximately simultaneously. But watch Swansea City and the corresponding rugby team on Setanta and when the soccer team is playing, it's almost impossible to see the rugby field markings, and vice-versa. Home fixtures for both sports alternate weekly and even that frequency will increase with the addition of various cup rounds as the season progresses. What's the problem here in Edmonton?

The markings isn't a deal breaker for me(although it makes seeing the lines difficult) its the setup of the stands on either end that makes viewing difficult. On the westside the seats are suitably close to the pitch but without any appreciable rise from the pitch. By the time you get to the backrow you approximate the height needed to get a proper perspective of an entire soccer pitch. Personally I'm a row 20 or greater kind of guy prefering an appreciable height from the pitch in which to see the contest.

The problem on East bleachers in completely different. The height from the pitch is suitable, but due to reasons unknown the whole stands are moved far back from the pitch instead of being closer to it.

Little of the layout at Foote is conducive to atmosphere, feeling close to the action, or optimally seeing the action. Its a real poorly conceived facility as presently standing.

I've been to several games but never much like the view that you can get in that facility.