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The Canadian Premier League officially launched its fifth club this evening, revealing FC Edmonton at the Strathcona Farmers’ Market in downtown Edmonton. Club president Thomas Fath was there to make the announcement, along with hundreds of local fans and youth players.
A nod to our past, the courage of our community, this is FC Edmonton re-born. #FCEd #CanPL pic.twitter.com/CL2xsa9JhJ
— FC Edmonton (@FCEdmontonNow) June 9, 2018
The original FC Edmonton was founded in 2010 and played in the NASL. They played in the semi-finals of the Canadian Championship five times and the NASL semis once in 2016. The club ceased operations in 2017, but were heavily rumoured to be waiting on the CPL.
FCE unveiled an updated crest at the launch event, which incorporates two shades of blue and design elements based on the North Saskatchewan River and the famous Rally Rabbit, which became a local hero after its appearance at a match sparked an FC Edmonton comeback against the Montreal Impact (something all Toronto FC fans can appreciate).
What do you think of the new #FCEd crest? #canpl pic.twitter.com/rDEgdENVgo
— CanPL Design (@CanPLDesign) June 9, 2018
The club confirmed it will play at Clarke Stadium, which has been the team’s home since 2012. The 5,000-seat venue is located right beside the much larger Commonwealth Stadium.
With Edmonton and Cavalry FC both in the CPL, it’ll be exciting to see this soccer version of the Battle of Alberta take shape.
Stay tuned for more coverage from the FC Edmonton launch!