Tyson Farago Pushing For More After First Canadian National Team Call-Up

In his few appearances for FC Edmonton, the young goalkeeper Tyson Farago has always given glimpses of the future in the Eddies’ net. Showing quick reflexes and an ability to make the big save, Farago was named to the NASL Team of the Week after his first NASL start in 2014.

The future, though, may be now. Farago, a Winnipeg, Manitoba, native was called up by the Canadian men’s national team for its recent camp, which culminated in a 1-0 loss to it North American rival, the United States, on Feb. 6.

The call-up, though, initially came as a bit of a surprise, even if Eddies head coach Colin Miller let Farago know that it could happen.

“Colin gave me a little bit of a heads up right when the season ended,” Farago said. “It was a shock for me. I knew about it three weeks before, but it was a shock. I was extremely excited when I got the call.”

At the camp, Farago was joined by his FC Edmonton teammates Mallan Roberts and Nik Ledgerwood.

“It was good – I actually roomed with Mallan,” he said. “It was good to meet Nik, who just signed with us.”

While Farago didn’t get a chance to step in between the goalposts, the time spent with the national team has given him more motivation.

“It definitely gives me more confidence and more to fight for and push myself to make the next camp for World Cup qualifying,” Farago told NASL.com. “Any time you’re given a chance to put on a Canada jersey is a great experience and great motivation to succeed in the NASL.”

For Farago, 24, it was a chance to train in a different environment from the Eddies and build on his abilities.

“Any time you’re in a different environment with goalkeeping you need to absorb all the information given to you,” he said. “Paul Dolan was very good, giving plenty of knowledge, and I’m taking everything he said and applying it to my game. I’m going to take it and apply it to my NASL career.”

Now back in Edmonton, Farago will train with a strong goalkeeping core that includes the experienced Matt VanOekel and the recent signing Nathan Ingham.

“Matt likes to push training sessions, new techniques and competition,” Farago said. “It really steps all of our games to the next level because no one is sitting pretty at the No. 1 spot. It’s very good for us to push each other and compete because we’re all getting something out of it.”

Farago added: “I’m definitely going to give Nathan tips. He’s taken really well to preseason and he looks like a very good goalkeeper. I’m going to help him out along the way.”

In his third season with the Eddies, Farago is finally hoping to put his stamp on the position and grab the No. 1 jersey.

“My No.1 goal right now is to start at FC Edmonton,” he said. “I’m going to have to push Matt really hard, and I’m going to have to excel and show the gaffer I’m the best man for the job. It’s a tough competition, but it’s where I like to be – I like to thrive in the competition.”

Ready to push for a starting position and motivated after his recent call-up, Farago is hoping he made an impression, and continues to do so, with World Cup qualifying around the corner in March – Canada takes on Mexico in a home-and-home series, March 25 in Vancouver, British Columbia and March 29 in Mexico City.

“I made a case when I went there and I’ll be on the radar for future camps,” Farago said. “I’m looking to be a part of that qualifying team.”