Eddy Sidra made his return in University of Alberta green and gold, as the Golden Bears looked good to hold onto their national No. 1 ranking after two routs of the University of Winnipeg.

The Cougars got the honour of opening their first CIS season with a home-and-home series against the reigning Canada West champion (and nationally No. 4 ranked) University of Alberta Golden Bears. And, less than two minutes into their first CIS match, the Cougars were already down by two goals.

So, when it comes to picking the year’s best stories, I let the numbers speak for themselves. I went back through the analytics and looked at the 11 stories you, the readers, kept reading and re-reading.

In the wake of the 5-0 loss to the Fort Lauderdale Strikers in the first round of the NASL playoffs two weekends ago, the team has announced major changes will be made. Eleven players have been told they will not be back next year. On that list are defenders John Jonke, Eddy Sidra and Alex Surprenant.

Veteran Dutch defender Paul Matthijs left the FC Edmonton fold on Friday — and chances are he won’t be back.

A rousing second-half comeback and an astonishing miss from NSC Minnesota forward Amani Walker has propelled FC Edmonton within touching distance of the NASL playoffs.

Jonathan Fana capitalized on a defensive error from FCE centre back John Jonke, allowing the Islanders to come out of the match with a 1-1 draw.

FC Edmonton exploded for three second-half goals after a sluggish first half, and brought its eight-game winless skid to an end with a 3-0 triumph over the last-place Atlanta Silverbacks.

As the Eddies prepared for Sunday’s home date with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, Antonio Rago, who has been the team’s starting right back throughout the season, was lined up on the left side in practice. Meanwhile, Eddy Sidra, who got his first start of the season last week in the left back slot, was on his preferred right side.

FC Edmonton’s losing streak has grown to five games, as Aaron Pitchkolan’s last-gasp wonder strike gave the Puerto Rico Islanders a 1-0 win at a rain-soaked Foote Field Saturday.