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FC Edmonton created a bit of a logjam on Thursday, when they announced that they had come to terms with goalkeeper Mat Van Oekel. Van Oekel has been a mainstay in Minnesota, first signing with the Thunder in 2008 before joining Minnesota United in 2010.
For Edmonton, this move comes as a bit of a surprise, as reigning Gold Gloves winner John Smits is still under contract for 2015. The move now gives the Canadian side two proven, top-quality NASL keepers fighting for one starting position. How that situation unfolds will be awfully interesting to watch, but one would have to assume Van Oekel received some sort of assurance about playing time before committing to his new club.
The move also leaves Minnesota United in need of a new starting keeper for the 2015 season, though they seem to be taking the news well enough based on the good-natured banter on their Twitter feed:
Good luck @MVOextreme in @FCEdmontonNow! Sorry in advance for the 20+ goals @Chris_Ramirez17 scores on you in 2015... pic.twitter.com/8D07zLsUg2
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUnitedFC) December 18, 2014