In his NASL coaching debut, Colin Miller had to settle for a draw.

But, as we get ready for this weekend’s kickoff to the NASL spring season, the Rowdies and MUFC are the clear favourites to top the table.

Usually, the final game of a team's preseason schedule tells you a lot about where a coach's head is at. The final preseason tuneup isn't so much a match of trial and error as it is a dress rehearsal for the season to come.

“I thought it was a possession clinic for the Whitecaps in the first half,” Miller told reporters following the match. “We created a few chances for a five-minute spell. It was our first outdoor 90 minutes in all honesty, so we weren’t expecting miracles, but with well-chosen words at half time, you could see a response from the guys.”

“We are still discussing things,” said Miller. “Paul and I have a good relationship, and we are trying to resolve the situation.”

It might seem like a strange decision. Chris Nurse, in search of another second-division title, came to a franchise that finished in last place in the league last season.

Hometown products Shaun Saiko, who led the team in scoring last season, and fullback Antonio Rago were officially placed on the list, but Alberta-born centre back and NASL Best XI member Paul Hamilton was not part of the 16.

Goalkeeper John Smits and Scottish defender David Proctor had just returned to the city and were working out. Fullback Wes Knight has been in Edmonton since January; same goes for holding midfielder Neil Hlavaty. Local products Antonio Rago and Shaun Saiko have been regular fixtures at the indoor training sessions since December.

In front of a full house at Clarke Stadium, Yashir Pinto scored the goal that allowed FC Edmonton to draw level with the San Antonio Scorpions. Nearly three hours later, in front of just a handful of fans, he missed the sitter that would have given the Eddies the win.

Canadian Kevin Harmse has a piece of Texas soccer history that no one can ever take from him.