For the second week in a row, FC Edmonton enters a critical match without the service of leading scorer Shaun Saiko.

“We can’t worry about the schedules of the other teams or the standings,” said FCE keeper Lance Parker.

Heading into what is the team's biggest game of the NASL season so far, FC Edmonton’s practice was as notable for who was sitting out with injuries as who was actually on the field working out.

FC Edmonton holding midfielder Bryan Arguez dominated the middle of the park in Sunday’s 1-0 win over the Puerto Rico Islanders; and, his yeoman’s work has been recognized league-wide.

FC Edmonton narrowed the gap to four points between itself and the Carolina Railhawks for the final NASL playoffs spot with a 1-0 home win Sunday over an undermanned and overmatched Puerto Rico Islanders side.

After two losses on the road, coach Harry Sinkgraven unveiled a new-look lineup. Instead of a 4-3-3, FCE switched to a 4-4-2, with Shaun Saiko moved from the outside to a free attacking midfield role behind the strikers.

In fact, it’s like fate has taken its revenge on the Eddies. FC Edmonton won its first-ever NASL match at Lockhart Stadium; but, since that win, the Eddies’ performances in Fort Lauderdale have been some of the young franchise’s worst.

But thanks to some inspired goalkeeping from Lance Parker — which included a penalty save — and a lovely second-half combination play that led to Michael Cox’s goal, the Eddies broke a two-game home winless streak with a gritty 1-0 decision over the Fort Lauderdale Strikers Sunday.

Both defender Paul Hamilton and midfielder Kenny Caceros were forced to leave the game at halftime with injuries. Defender Fabien Vorbe broke his nose in the first half after a collision with San Antonio Scorpion forward Walter Ramirez.

FC Edmonton’s scoreless streak to start the NASL season went past the 270-minute mark, but the Eddies will take a point out of Wednesday’s visit to Puerto Rico.