Ben Fisk due for another CanMNT call-up?
Photo credit: Uwe Welz/FC Edmonton
INDIANAPOLIS — After mustering a measly 13 points in 16 NASL spring matches, FC Edmonton desperately needed a kick-start.
A not-so-unlikely source provided one in the fall opener, though it wasn’t enough to avoid disappointment once again in the form of a 2-1 home loss to the Indy Eleven. The same bloke lifted the Eddies up on his shoulders the following week, this time resulting an impressive 3-1 away victory in a rematch with Indy.
That bloke was midfielder Ben Fisk, whose recent exceptional play has surely put himself back on the Canada national team radar. And if FC Edmonton plans to right the ship and contend for the NASL fall title or a playoff spot, it’s going to start and end with his keen ability to create chances. Fisk is tied for the NASL lead with 32 chances created. He about drove Eleven coach Tim Hankinson to the brink of insanity during the two clubs’ home-and-home series.
“Fisk, two weeks in a row, has been having his way on our right side,” said a disgruntled Hankinson following Edmonton’s win.
The lone Eddies goal in the first game was set up by a lovely left-footed chipped service that was out of the reach of Indy goalkeeper Jon Busch, but well within range for two Edmonton attackers to make a play on the ball in the air at the far post. Tomi Ameobi got on the end of it to tie the game 1-1. Here’s Fisk’s dime via the FC Edmonton Twitter account:
Starting to connect the dots like…
👟⚽🤨🥅 pic.twitter.com/P3IdlwHtw6
— FC Edmonton (@FCEdmontonNow) August 1, 2017
In Edmonton’s win the following week, the 24-year-old again delivered an assist. The helper was his third in the last four matches. Check it out courtesy of the NASL’s Twitter account:
.@albertw5 gives @FCEdmontonNow a two-goal lead after connecting with @benfisk‘s corner kick. #INDvFCE pic.twitter.com/G0ShwOrk7n
— NASL (@naslofficial) August 6, 2017
Fisk has earned two career caps for Canada so far, both in 2017. He debuted in Canada’s 4-2 win against Bermuda in January before appearing again in March in a 1-1 draw with Scotland.
Octavio Zambrano | Photo credit: Canada Soccer
Given his form and playmaking ability, CanMNT head coach Octavio Zambrano might soon be blowing up his young prodigy’s phone for a return to the squad. Fisk was optimistic about getting another call-up soon.
“I hope so,” Fisk said. “It’s always an honor to represent your country. I’ve been able to do it twice at the senior level.
“I’m just focused on my games here and if I’m playing well I think more calls will come, for sure.”
His next chance to do so will be for Canada’s home friendly against Jamaica in Toronto on Sept. 2.
The Eddies, meanwhile, will host the New York Cosmos on Saturday as they attempt to cultivate a winning streak. With their dynamic young midfielder constantly threatening up the left side, FC Edmonton could very well be one of the NASL’s biggest surprises of the fall season.
***
You can follow Kevin on Twitter:Â @KJboxing.
Soc Takes is on Patreon. Get access to patron-only Soc Takes Pod episodes, exclusive written content and tier rewards. Click here to become a patron today.
