Jalali back in FCE fold; Whiteman confirmed for Eddies’ combine

Sadi Jalali

The on again, off again relationship between striker Sadi Jalali and FC Edmonton is back on again.

Jalali’s name is on the list of players who will be on the field Wednesday on the indoor pitch at the Commonwealth Stadium fitness centre for the FC Edmonton combine. But Jalali is there for the workout, not to try and make the team or get a chance for another tryout down the road. He’s officially listed as a member of the FC Edmonton Reserves and will be there, like many of the other team’s youth players, to provide competition for the combine attendees.

In 2011, fresh off a successful run with the national U-17 program, Jalali got the chance to audition for German side Kaiserslautern. As he waited for the January, 2012 transfer window to open, he began to train with his hometown FC Edmonton side, with a promise — that if his European trial didn’t work out and he had to return to North America, he’d resume playing with the Eddies.

He did in fact return from Europe, but spent 2012 with the Whitecaps Residency. Unfortunately for FC Edmonton, his original promise didn’t include the signature of a parent or guardian.

But the team has confirmed that Jalali won’t be heading back to Vancouver for 2013, and is a big part of FC Edmonton’s plans.

Also added to the combine list is the fourth former member of the Toronto FC family. Brampton, Ont. forward Jarek Whiteman, who played for TFC Academy, is confirmed to be attending the FC Edmonton combine. Already, ex-TFC forward Keith Makubuya, as well as Cristian Nunez (a member of the TFC roster in 2007), and ex-TFC Academy striker Tristan Jackman had confirmed for the Eddies’ combine, which will be run by new FCE coach Colin Miller.

Whiteman scored 12 goals in the CSL this past year as a member of SC Toronto.