Last game
It was only 10 days ago that the Eddies and Scorpions met in Fort McMurray, Alberta to open up both of their fall seasons. The Eddies handed the Scorpions a 4-0 beat down, tied for the worst margin of loss in San Antonio history, and claimed the inaugural Wood Buffalo Cup. San Antonio ended the game with 9 players as goalie Daryl Sattler and defender Nana Attakora both received red cards as the frustration built up with the visitors from the Lone Star State.
San Antonio will look to right that wrong. The Scorpions are coming off their most complete game of the year that saw them beat the league leading Tampa Bay Rowdies, 3-0, at Toyota Field. The Rowdies had previously embarrassed San Antonio in the spring opener. The Scorpions will look to build off that confidence and hand the Eddies a similar result and get revenge for the fall opening loss. Hopefully the confines of home, Toyota Field, and an increase in confidence will lead to a second straight victory. But San Antonio will have to do it without veteran defender Julius James.
During the game against the Rowdies, James, while trying to protect the net, fell down awkwardly and broke his leg. Replays showed a nasty break and he had to be carted off the field. His replacement, Brad Rusin, should get some more playing time with James out for the remainder of the season. San Antonio will also get Daryl Sattler and Nana Attakora back from suspension. It will be interesting to see if head coach Alen Marcina chooses to go with Sattler in goal, or Matt Cardone. Cardone posted is second career NASL shutout as a starter against the Rowdies.
Edmonton is coming off a 1-1 draw against Fort Lauderdale, gaining the point only because of an own goal by Strikers goalie, Josh Ford, in the 86′ minute. The Eddies will be without Lance Laing, who scored twice in the fall opener, due to his playing with the Reggae Boys in the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Prediction
Playing at home after a huge win should boost the energy level and confidence of this Scorpions team. A 2-1 win over the Eddies in the last match-up between the two teams this regular season is in order. Look for Omar Cummings to continue to add to his goal total.
The game is Wednesday, July 15 at 7:30 pm CST (8:30 pm EST) at Toyota Field. #SASvFCE
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