Shaun Saiko scored the decisive goal that earned FC Edmonton the team’s first win of the 2013 NASL Spring Season and also collected the North American Soccer League Player of the Week award.
The local hero, who hails from Edmonton, coolly converted a penalty kick during the final minute of the first half as the Eddies went in search of three points in their belated home league opener, having started the new campaign with three straight road games. Saiko was also Edmonton’s biggest offensive threat, generating four shots.
“You’ve got to strike it with confidence and I feel like I’ve been playing well, so I wanted to take the penalty and make sure we got the three points today,” said Saiko, whose goal defeated the San Antonio Scorpions 1-0.
“You’ve just got to get the goalie going the other way and slot it to the other side. Our luck’s about to change and hopefully we can string a few wins together here.”
Saiko signed with FC Edmonton in 2010 after spending the two previous years in England with Middlesbrough. The talented midfielder has also pulled on the red and white jersey for Canada at the U15-U20 and U23 levels and went to Trinidad and Tobago for World Cup Qualifying with his nation’s U20 team.
“This is not only important for Shaun’s confidence as an individual, but this is important for the entire team. We all feel that Shaun’s goal and the team’s win will kick off a successful season and more games with Shaun’s name on the score sheet,” said FC Edmonton coach Colin Miller.
Follow Shaun Saiko on Twitter @SaikoShaun
copy Copyright 2013Pedro Heizer, All rights Reserved. Written For: 90 Minutes Strong
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