Ledgerwood’s contract extension is good news for NASL as a whole By Steven Sandor Posted on October 7, 2016 3 0 1,462 Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Nik Ledgerwood in action vs. Miami FC. PHOTO: TONY LEWIS/FC EDMONTON It’s not just good news for FC Edmonton, it’s good news for NASL as a whole. There are so many rumours swirling around about the health of the league — including whispers that the Ottawa Fury and the Tampa Bay Rowdies may pack up, that the Fort Lauderdale Strikers needed a bail-out and that Rayo OKC’s Spanish ownership wants to see some changes made. So, news that one of the NASL’s founding clubs has re-signed one of its star players is a badly needed show of stability. FC Edmonton announced Friday that midfielder and Canadian national-team veteran Nik Ledgerwood has extended his contract and will remain with the club through the 2017 season. “It’s a very good environment here at FC Edmonton, it’s a learning environment, a challenging environment and Nik is a guy that, as we look to build the club moving forward in years to come, could become an integral part of what we’re doing,” FCE coach Colin Miller said in a release. “Nik is really keen to stay in his home province and play. We’re delighted that we have done this deal nice and early and to get it out of the way so Nik can focus on some continuity here with FC Edmonton.” Born in Lethbridge, Alta., Ledgerwood returned to Alberta for the 2016 NASL season after a lengthy spell playing abroad. He’s been a fixture on the national side, with 49 caps to his credit. He wanted to be close to family, get back to his Alberta roots and he got married earlier this year. Ledgerwood has a couple of goals this season, but he has been a general in the midfield, helping shield the back four. He’s an big reason why FCE is on pace to shatter every goals-against record in NASL — ask around the league, and you’ll quickly find out he’s regarded as one the best holding mids in NASL.
