“I’m devastated,” said FCE coach Colin Miller. “I couldn’t have asked any more from the guys. When we drove here, it was 100 degrees (F)... How do we prepare for this? We train like buggers all week long."

“The guys here have been on trial since February the 18th,” Miller said. “I’ve already made my mind up about a couple of guys who moving in and moving out.”

“We are in a situation where the player hasn’t committed either way, to play for Canada or to play for Scotland. If Fraser opts to play for Scotland, that’s fine, we wish him the best of luck. But, looking at the best interests of our national team, we have made a formal approach to Rangers and the player.”

The FC Edmonton coach was granted permission by the Eddies to steer the Canadian national team through the July tourney. The fact that the NASL schedule goes on hiatus in July allowed Miller the time needed to prepare and coach the squad.

With FC Edmonton eliminated from contention for the NASL spring season title, don't expect to see midfielder Robert Garrett in the lineup for a while.

“It was a lot harder to come back than I thought,” admitted Hamilton, who had 30 orange-clad family and friends at Clarke Stadium cheering him on. “There was a lot of emotion at the start of the game. I didn’t think I played very well.”

“We have a very good, very positive relationship with the Whitecaps,” said Miller. “The agreement was that Carlyle would be spending the season with us here in Edmonton, the only exception to that would be if the Whitecaps found themselves in dire straits. Well, they are clearly in dire straits at the moment.”

“I had a few great years there, still have many friends on the team and within the organization. My wife, and also many friends and family are going to be at the game. So yes, there is a greater excitement around this game for me."

But, Mitchell didn't make FC Edmonton's road trip to Atlanta on Saturday because of injury. He hasn't played since spraining his ankle on the Clarke Stadium turf in the 17th minute of the May 26 loss to Fort Lauderdale. So, his status isn't a sure thing for a team that needs help with depth, and was playing defenders out of position in Saturday's 3-2 loss to the Sounders.

Mirabelli wasn’t the only Eddie who needed medical attention after the game. Captain and central defender Albert Watson also needed emergency dental work after his two front teeth were knocked out (more on that later). The Eddies dressing room may have resembled an NHL team's.