“We had a little talk about it after the game,” said holding midfielder Chris Kooy. “Sixty per cent of the goals we have given up have been on set pieces. So it’s definitely something we have to look at.”

FC Edmonton’s continuing inability defend set pieces transformed what should have been a win into a draw at Clarke Stadium on Sunday.

But that San Antonio team might bear no resemblance to the team that Scorpions coach Tim Hankinson brings to Edmonton this weekend. Why? The Scorpions host a U.S. Open Cup match against the Houston Dynamo on Tuesday night.

Strikers Michael Cox and Kyle Porter aren’t ready for a return to the FC Edmonton lineup ahead of Sunday’s home date with the San Antonio Scorpions, but there were sighs of relief around the Eddies’ camp today as it looks like central defender Paul Hamilton and forward Matt Lam will be ready to go.

FC Edmonton will be sweating on the status of several players ahead of next Sunday’s return match against the San Antonio Scorpions.

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.

And, for Saturday’s game in San Antonio — he can choose to give Lance Parker his first NASL start since last June, or he can stick with the hot hand with John Smits, who recorded a clean sheet against Atlanta last week.

“Due process” are the words coming from the team’s front office. The wheels of bureaucracy don’t turn very fast — that’s simply the nature of civic government.

But, over the last two weeks, Rago has reclaimed his starting spot. Before Rago came in as a started, Edmonton was winless in four league games. Since he came back, the team has won its two NASL matches by an aggregate 5-0 count and showed very well in an Amway Canadian Championship semifinal loss to Vancouver at BC Place — in which Rago set up Yashir Pinto’s goal for the Eddies.

“Really, there isn’t a stadium in the city that is suitable (to be a temporary home to NASL),” said Pugh. “I know it’s hard to believe that in the Capital City, there is no other stadium, but that is the case. So, we considered our options and thought the way to go is to begin play in what will be our permanent home.”