Eddies Retain Four More Players From 2016 Season

Photo credit: Tony Lewis

FC Edmonton announced today the return of four additional players for the 2017 NASL season.  As per club policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.

Defenders Marko Aleksic, Shawn Nicklaw, and Karsten Smith will join striker Jake Keegan for this year’s upcoming campaign, which kicks off on April 2. 

“I’m delighted that all four players have rejoined us for the season,” FC Edmonton coach Colin Miller said. “The future we hope is Marko Aleksic. He’ll be looking to get more minutes this year and he knows what is required to get those minutes. Karsten came in and did a great job for us last season when we required his services - he’s a terrific professional as all four of them are.”

All four players featured on Miller’s squad in 2016, a highlight year for the Eddies, finishing with the league’s top defense and qualifying for the NASL postseason.

“Jake played a very valuable role for us last season,” Miller said. “Unfortunately he was required to play in a wider area [than he previously has in the past]. He still contributed to the overall success of the season from the work he did. Shawn came in last season and did a great job for us and he’ll come into training camp with the understanding of how we work as a staff and the demands that I put on the defenders. I think we’ll see a more complete Shawn Nicklaw this season.

“I’m just repeating myself, but these returning players show the continuity of the club. With the new signings that we will be announcing I think the future looks very bright for the Eddies this season.”