Ryan and Alves Named to NASL Team of the Week
July 22, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Ottawa Fury FC News Release
Rafael Alves, kicking, and Richie Ryan of Ottawa Fury FC
(Ottawa Fury FC, Credit: Jamie Johnson)
OTTAWA, ON - Ottawa Fury FC continued to prove that they've solved their scoring woes with a convincing 4-2 win over Indy Eleven on Sunday. Captain Richie Ryan and defender Rafael Alves were both named to the NASL Team of the Week on Wednesday for their roles in the victory that extended Ottawa's unbeaten streak to eight games, putting the team on the cusps of top spot in the NASL standings.
In just his fifth game of the season, Richie Ryan put in one of his best performances for Fury FC. In addition to his trademark play in the midfield comprised of sound defensive positioning and world-class precision with passing, the Captain flexed his muscles offensively on Sunday netting a pair of goals from almost identical free-kick situations. His second of two goals in currently in the running for NASL Play of the Week (CLICK HERE to Vote). This is the second time in the first three weeks of the NASL Fall Season that Richie Ryan has earned NASL Team of the Week honours.
Rafael Alves has been a calm and consistent force in Ottawa's back line who have played a vital role in the club's current unbeaten streak. While Alves' defensive game was on point against Indy he, like Ryan, flexed his offensive muscles heading home a Sinisa Ubiparipovic free-kick to open the scoring. The goal, Alves' second of the season, marked the second time in three games the Fury FC received offensive contributions from a member of their back four. This is the third time this season that Alves has been named to the NASL Team of the Week.
The pair will look to have another solid outing Wednesday night when they host the Atlanta Silverbacks at TD Place. A win would put Fury FC in sole possession of first place in the NASL Fall Season standings.
NASL Team of the Week - Fall Week 3:
GK: Sammy Ndjock (Minnesota United FC)
D: Paul Black (Atlanta Silverbacks)
D: Mallan Roberts (FC Edmonton)
D: Rafael Alves (Ottawa Fury FC)
M: Neil Hlavaty (Carolina RailHawks)
M: Marlon Freitas (Fort Lauderdale Strikers)
M: Richie Ryan (Ottawa Fury FC)
M: Jaime Castrillon (Jacksonville Armada FC)
F: Billy Forbes (San Antonio Scorpions)
F: Nacho Novo (Carolina RailHawks) **NASL Player of the Week**
F: Christian Ramirez (Minnesota United FC)
After Wednesday night's match against the Silverbacks, Ottawa closes out their three-game homestand on Sunday afternoon at 3pm against NASL Player of the Week Nacho Novo and the Carolina RailHawks. It is Fury Fanatics Day at TD Place on Sunday - the club is encourage ALL Fury Fanatics to come out in full force and celebrate soccer in our community.
Images from this story
 Rafael Alves, kicking, and Richie Ryan of Ottawa Fury FC (Jamie Johnson) |
• Discuss this story on the North American Soccer League message board...
North American Soccer League Stories from July 22, 2015
- Fury FC Claim Top Spot in the NASL - Ottawa Fury FC
- Silverbacks Canadian Comeback Falls Short - Atlanta Silverbacks
- Castrillón Named to NASL Team of the Week - Jacksonville Armada FC
- Ryan and Alves Named to NASL Team of the Week - Ottawa Fury FC
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
