The last of the originals is gone: Rago won’t be back with the Eddies (UPDATED) By Steven Sandor Posted on November 7, 2013 8 0 976 Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Antonio Rago PHOTO: TONY LEWIS/FC EDMONTON FC Edmonton’s no longer has a tie to the 2010 version of the club. The club announced Tuesday that locally produced right back Antonio Rago won’t be back with the team in 2014. The team said that it offered Rago a contract — terms weren’t disclosed — and that the fullback turned it down and will explore other career options. Rago made the following statement to The 11: “The decision to leave my hometown club was not made without a heavy heart. Ultimately my decision was purely based on my enjoyment of the game and my development as a footballer. “I would like to thank everyone who I have come in contact within these last four great years, as they have all played a role in the person I am today. I especially would like to thank (owner) Tom Fath and his family for their extreme generosity and bringing professional soccer back to this great city. Without Tom, I would not have had the privilege to play professionally in front of so many friends and family. I cannot express my gratitude enough. “And, finally to the supporters. Whether the results were good or bad you’ve all stood by our side and chanted just as loud each and every game. We truly have the best supporters in the league. I hope for one day to hear you chant my name one more time. Keep standing united. Thank you.” Rago was part of then-coach Dwight Lodeweges’ original roster in 2010, when the Eddies played a series of friendlies against the likes of Portsmouth and Colo-Colo. The team began a year ahead of its 2011 entry into NASL so it could blood its young players and get them ready for North American pro soccer. Rago was the first-choice right back for most of 2011, after Harry Sinkgraven took over as coach. In 2012, he began the season on the bench, but then won his starting job back. In 2013, under coach Colin Miller, Rago was used mainly as a substitute, as Canadian Edson Edward emerged as the first-choice right back for the Eddies. Rago got starts when Edward was unavailable to play due to injuries or suspensions. With three new teams joining NASL in 2014 — Ottawa, Indianapolis and Virginia — there will be more job openings in the league.
