Soccer News: Midfielder Lance Laing Named NASL Player Of The Week After Leading FC Edmonton To Canadian Derby Win
FC Edmonton midfielder Lance Laing was named North American Soccer League (NASL) Player of the Week after scoring a goal and adding an assist in his team’s 2-0 victory over Ottawa Fury FC at TD Place on Saturday.
Midfielder, Lance Laing‘s performance in the Canadian Derby helped FC Edmonton move within two points of the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, who currently hold the final qualifying berth in The Championship, the league’s four-team postseason tournament.
“First, I want to thank to my teammates in particular – without them this wouldn’t have been possible,” Laing said. “I’m very grateful for my second Player of the Week honor. The NASL has great players, and there aren’t any easy teams to play against in this league. It has been a good Fall Season in many aspects for us, and we have worked very hard to put ourselves in the position that we’re in right now.”
Laing dished out his sixth assist of the year nine minutes into the match against Ottawa, sending a well-placed cross into the penalty area for teammate Chad Burt to tap home for a 1-0 advantage.
The 26-year old Jamaican international doubled the Eddies lead in the 20th minute when he scored an “Olimpico” goal, curling a corner kick into the net past goalkeeper Romuald Peiser and defender Nicki Paterson.
The 2-0 result would stand, as the Eddies extended their unbeaten streak to six games. The Canadian side is now just two points off the pace for the fourth and final spot in The Championship.
“It’s perfect that Lance has been recognized again. He has really taken to this midfield role and it has been a success for us.” said FC Edmonton head coach Colin Miller. “The quality of his delivery and his final shot has been the difference for us this season. He has been very committed to FC Edmonton this season and he will be moving forward into next season after extending his contract with the club last week. It’s a win-win for us.”
Laing, who has represented Jamaica at the youth and senior national team levels, signed with FC Edmonton in the 2013 offseason. Last season, he played 24 games for the Canadian side, scoring once and tallying two assists from the backline.
Prior to joining FC Edmonton, Laing spent two NASL seasons (2011-2012) with Fort Lauderdale, where he made 44 appearances. He began his career in his native country, playing for Harbour View FC. While at the club, he was part of two Jamaican National Premier League (JNPL) Championship teams in 2007 and 2010. Laing then spent the 2010-2011 JNPL campaign with Village United FC.
