For all the blundering and ineptitude that will forever be linked to another failed soccer venture in Edmonton, there seems to be enough support out there to give it one more go.

Admittedly, Joe Petrone knows people in the community will scoff at the fact that he wants to put together an ownership group keen on keeping the city in the men's professional ranks and then be the man responsible for its operation.

But even after everything that they've been through during the disastrous debut year in the A-League that it was for the Edmonton Aviators/FC, the majority of players seem eager to join in on the quest for new life next season.

"I would love to come back," offered scrappy midfielder Gordon Chin after FC's home schedule concluded last night with a 2-0 loss to the Minnesota Thunder before a chilly mob of about 400 at Foote Field.

SOME GREAT GUYS

"We had great guys on this team, it's a great city and most importantly I got lots of playing time, so it was ideal for me.

"We lost lots of games and had lots of problems with players leaving and coming in but there were ups. The little bits of joy that we had were really great."

FC (4-16-6) will try to elude the Calgary Mustangs for the dishonour of finishing last in the Western Conference during a season-ending road trip through Montreal and Toronto beginning tomorrow.

Edmonton, which trails fellow first-year club Puerto Rico by three points, is also in the hunt for the unofficial Canadian pro title but needs to magically take three points from the East-leading Impact and at least a draw off the Lynx for the Voyageurs Cup crown.

Chin, who will head home to Vancouver next week and perhaps troll for duty on the indoor circuit, feels Edmonton can make soccer work provided new ownership has a much better business plan than the one that failed so miserably with the Aviators.

"You saw what happened with the (FIFA) under-19 women and even with a losing franchise, we still had people coming out and giving us standing ovations," said Chin.

"If you get a winning team here, it can get huge support if it's done the right way."

Edmonton-bred talent Sean Fraser was expecting better things when he latched on to the Aviators' ride.

It didn't turn out well at all and that has somewhat soured him on the pro game, but not enough to give up on his home town.

IT'S A GOOD THING

"I love playing soccer and playing at home is always a good thing and if there is a team here next year and it looks good, there's always a possibility I'll come back," said Fraser, who holds the club lead with four goals and 10 points.

"Things would have to be done different. We'd have to play at better times to be able to get the kids out. The venue, Commonwealth Stadium, was a big issue.

"Foote Field and Clarke Park are smaller and people are closer to the field and it's a better environment.

"We'd be closer to the fans and the people of Edmonton so we're the home team instead of people not even knowing who we are."

Like all his teammates, Liam De Silva saw his contract take a big hit when the United Soccer Leagues took over operation of the franchise when ownership bailed at midseason.

De Silva could certainly put more dough in his pocket getting regular work as a model, but he too would be interested in giving Edmonton another chance.

"It was a disappointing year, no question about it, but next year could be a building block," said the Fort McMurray native.

"You learn from the mistakes. People have learned and they're going to know what to do and what not to do. That's a big thing.

"If it fit my circumstances, sure, why not? I'd come back."

Minnesota (12-9-5) moved into third spot in the Western Conference playoff hunt with the victory.

Chris Brunt scored the winner -- and his first of the season -- with a brilliant redirection off a corner kick from Jeff Matteo in the 56th minute and Johnny Menyongar struck on a penalty kick in the 72nd minute.