Edmonton, AB. (May 2, 2012) – FC Edmonton head into this match against the Vancouver Whitecaps as the obvious underdogs. The Eddies have yet to win a game this NASL season, while the Whitecaps have four MLS wins to their name thus far in the 2012 season.

It was clear shortly after kick off that the Whitecaps were the more physical team and muscled their way into plenty of plays. It took about 10 minutes for FC Edmonton to find their rhythm and have some tense moments in the visitor’s 18-yard box. Ilja Van Leerdam could not quite reach a cross from Yashir Pinto as Edmonton had an opportunity to score first.

At the 18 minute mark the Whitecaps broke through the Eddies backline. Omar Salgado picked out Eric Hassli at the top of the box who coolly slid it past FC Edmonton’s goalkeeper David Monsalve to put the Whitecaps in the lead.

The play continued to favour the visiting team as the half moved on. In the 41st minute Salgado chiped the Eddies ‘keeper and the shot bounced off the post to find the foot of Atiba Harris, who found the back of the net and gave Vanocuver a 2-0 lead.

In the second half, FC Edmonton continued to press for a home goal and the game continued to get more physical. It did not take too long for the Eddies to find their way in front of the net. Ilja Van Leerdam tried a long distance shot and forced Whitecaps ‘Keeper Brad Knighton formerly of the Carolina RailHawks, into making a good save in the 52nd minute.

Eddies goal keeper Monsalve was also forced into making a couple tough saves as the half continued, one of which came from Whitecaps forward, Long Tan, a former FC Tampa Bay forward.

The match ended with both sides not conceding any further goals and the Whitecaps heading back to Vancouver with a 2-0 win.

The Eddies head to Vancouver to play the second leg of the semi-final on May 9.