Dos Santos Confident His Squad Is in the Right Frame of Mind to Earn All Three Points against Indy
May 22, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Ottawa Fury FC News Release
OTTAWA, ON (May 22, 2015) - As the month April came to a close it seemed like the sky was falling for Ottawa Fury FC, but the skies have cleared for the month of May and Saturday is expected to beautiful day at TD Place as a well-rested Fury FC look to get back in the win column against Indy Eleven.
"We are all very aware of the importance of this game," said Marc Dos Santos who is confident that his squad is in the right frame of mind to earn all three points from Saturday's contest.
"Everyone is focused on the details that will make us successful and we all know this will be another great challenge. The team has been working well, the attitude has been good and we are looking forward to coming back to play this weekend."
Ottawa's defensive woes are no longer a point of concern after conceding just one goal in the past two games that saw them fall 1-0 in a tight contest against the league-leading New York (May 2) and a scoreless draw against second place Tampa (May 9). A much needed bye-week has allowed for some tired legs to rest with having played 4 games in 11 days to close out the month of April.
While the defence looks sharp, the offensive is the final piece of the puzzle, but it certainly hasn't been for lack of chances - Ottawa sits second in the NASL in shots and have out-chanced and out-possessed their opponents in most games this season.
Indy Eleven had a bright start to their 2015 campaign coming out of the gate with a win and three draws. The month of April, however, hasn't been as kind to the second-year club as they've dropped their last two outings to Jacksonville (1-0) and Minnesota (3-1). Like Ottawa, offensive has been Indy's point of concern for most of the season, especially in their last three games where they have been outscored 5-2.
The Eleven have yet to record a win at home this season, despite sellout crowds at every home match, but have recorded a 1-1-1 record on the road. Midfielder Sergio Pe?a leads Indy in scoring with two goals on the season and will be the key player in their success on Saturday. Kristian Nicht has also returned to Indy Eleven have the club had transferred him to the Montreal Impact during their chase for the CONCACAF Champions League title. The Impact released Nicht shortly after the final and Indy Eleven quickly signed their keeper.
On most days game are won and lost in the midfield and while the team that controls the middle of the pitch remains likely to come out on top, this game will be won and lost by the team that can put away their chances.
Fury FC took six out of nine possible points from Indy last season recording their first-ever road victory 4-2 and taking another win in Indy 2-1 later in the season with the Eleven stealing the points at TD Place with a 2-1 win of their own.
The New York Cosmos may appear to be the mid-season favourites to win the Spring campaign, the standings are very tight, so much so that Ottawa could find themselves within a point of a post-season position with a win. Through 35 games in the NASL this season, 14 have ended in a draw, 14 have been decided by one goal and 7 have been decided by two goals.
MATCH OFFICIALS:
Referee: Mathieu Bourdeau
Assistants: Jean-Francois Marchand and John Gray
Fourth Official: Lyes Arfa
Fury FC close out their Spring Season home schedule against FC Edmonton on May 29 before a two-game road trip to complete the NASL Spring campaign in Jacksonville (June 7) and San Antonio (June 13). Tickets to the May 29 match available at OttawaFuryFC.com.
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North American Soccer League Stories from May 22, 2015
- United Looks to Make It Three Straight on Saturday - Minnesota United FC
- Villarreal to Depart Armada FC at End of NASL Spring Season - Jacksonville Armada FC
- Dos Santos Confident His Squad Is in the Right Frame of Mind to Earn All Three Points against Indy - Ottawa Fury FC
- Strikers Forge Partnership with Azul Airlines - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Eddies Partner up for 'Goals That Give' - FC Edmonton
- New York Cosmos Hosting 7th Annual Cosmos Copa Tournament - New York Cosmos
- FC Edmonton Match Preview: vs Atlanta Silverbacks (May 24, 2015) - FC Edmonton
- Indy Eleven & IndyFringe Team up for Next Week's Indy Eleven Theatre Grand Opening Festivities - Indy Eleven
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