April 27, 2011 MLS--Nutrilite Canadian Championship Begins Tonight (from NASL.com)

  
Nutrilite Canadian Championship begins Tonight
FC Edmonton takes on Toronto FC
By: Julianne Fraser
Apr.27.2011

Edmonton, AB – Tonight’s game will prove monumental as FC Edmonton faces the defending champions Toronto FC in the opening game of the Nutrilite 
Canadian Championship. This four-team tournament will determine Canada’s representation in the CONCACAF Champions League season; the winner claiming 
the Voyageurs Cup. This is Edmonton’s first time hosting the Championship, allowing for the team to showcase its strong talent on a national platform.
 
FC Edmonton will enter today’s game after its first NASL season loss against the Carolina Railhawks. The 2-0 defeat came as a result of a strong first 
half dominated by the Railhawks, with two breakaways and nine shots on net. NASL leading scorer Etienne Barbara put the first point on the scoreboard 
in the 19th minute with a light touch from a cross received from Low. Nick Zimmerman secured the second goal at the beginning of the second half after 
capitalizing on a clearing attempt by FC Edmonton keeper Rein Baart.
 
While FC Edmonton did not manage any shots on target, their style of play was praised by Railhawk’s head coach, Dewan Bader. The player’s constant 
possession and trained patience proved challenging against the winning team.
 
Toronto FC enters the tournament on weak soil, carrying merely one win, two losses and four ties from the opening of its MLS season. A rocky start 
to the season for the previous Nutrilite champion should bring confidence to FC Edmonton tonight.
 
FC Edmonton has secured its team roster at 26 players, welcoming newly-signed players Kyle Porter and Adrian Leroy. Porter, age 21 has been recruited 
from the Vancouver Whitecaps and has represented Canada at both the 2007 CONCACAF Under-17 Qualification Tournament and 2009 CONCACAF Under-20 Men's 
Championship.  Defender Adrian Leroy joins FC Edmonton from the Ottawa Fury and has represented Old Dominion University on the soccer pitch as well. 
Dutchman Edwin Peterson has also been secured as assistant coach for FC Edmonton.
 
May 1 will mark FC Edmonton’s home opener of the NASL season, to be played at Foote Field against the Montreal Impact. Kick off will be at 7:30pm.

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