Matt VanOekel Named NASL Player of the Week
Matt VanOekel is named NASL Player of the Week after leading FC Edmonton with two clean sheets in their last two matches to keep the Eddies in the hunt for a playoff berth. VanOekel remains in top form as he comes off a stellar month in August by helping his side record draws versus Rayo OKC and the New York Cosmos in Week 12 of the NASL Fall Season.
Related Article: NASL Player of the Month: Matt VanOekel
NASL Soccer News: FC Edmonton goalkeeper Matt VanOekel has been voted North American Soccer League (NASL) Player of the Week after recording two clean sheets against Rayo OKC and the New York Cosmos to keep his club in the postseason race.
The 29-year-old goalkeeper was also named NASL Player of the Month in August. VanOekel secured his net against Rayo OKC in a scoreless draw at home on Wednesday night. The shot-stopper then put on a performance for the ages in a 0-0 draw versus a relentless Cosmos attack at Shuart Stadium.
“Our defensive record as a club this season is absolutely fantastic and Matt has been a big part of that,” FC Edmonton head coach Colin Miller said. “I’m sure he will be the first person to commend the players in front of him for helping him. It is very much a team effort and I am absolutely delighted with the big fella’s attitude. To me the level of consistency with Matt has been the difference this season.”
VanOekel made three saves versus Rayo OKC, and four stops during Saturday’s match against the Cosmos to help the Canadian side secure a point in New York.
In the 87th minute, VanOekel made a stop on the line to save a low header from Cosmos midfielder Sebastían Guenzatti. Adam Moffat struck a volley off acorner kick, which saw VanOekel deflect the shot off the post and away to safety.
“I think that Matt’s play, generally speaking has been so consistent this season,” Miller said. “He was called upon – particularly later in the game against the Cosmos. When asked to make the save, he is making those saves. That has been a huge difference-maker for us this season – the back four and the team in front of him have defended very, very well. When there has been a mix-up or an opportunity for a team to score, Matt has answered the bell.”
VanOekel leads the league in goals against average (0.58) and clean sheets (13), and sits second in saves (83). VanOekel and captain Albert Watson have led the Eddies’ back line with just 14 goals in 24 games.
Althoough FC Edmonton have picked up four draws in their last five matches, the Eddies continue to secure a spot in The Championship, the league’s four-team postseason tournament. The Eddies sit in second place in the Fall Season Standings, trailing the league-leading Cosmos by five points. The club is also in second place in the Combined Standings, sitting six points shy of the Cosmos.
FC Edmonton head back on the road in Week 13, visiting the Carolina RailHawks on Saturday at WakeMed Soccer Park. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET.
Photo Credit: North American Soccer League
