Bruna's Pair of Goals Lifts Fury FC Past Energy FC
February 23, 2017 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Ottawa Fury FC News Release
Bruna's Pair of Goals Lifts Fury FC Past Energy FC
(Ottawa Fury FC, Credit: Jason Roberts/Envision Sports Media)
OTTAWA, ON - Fury FC remained undefeated in preseason play, Thursday evening at IMG Academy, grabbing a 2-1 win over OKC Energy FC in a hard-fought battle that saw a combined five yellow cards and one red card issued during the match.
"I'm really really pleased. I know it's only preseason and I don't want to get carried away but the mindset that this team has already and that ruthless desire to win is something that I enjoy watching on the sideline," said Fury FC GM and Head Coach, Paul Dalglish. "The guys made me really proud tonight. The trust they have in the coaching staff and in themselves is truly incredible to see. We are totally united."
Gerardo Bruna was the hero of the night for Ottawa, as the Argentine midfielder scored a pair of goals - the latter coming on a penalty kick at the 67th minute - for the second time in three preseason games, bringing his total number of goals to four.
At the end of the first 30-minute period, things started getting chippy, as both teams earned a yellow card each in a span of two minutes, before seeing Lance Rozeboom receive a red card at the 28th minute - after the referee reviewed the play with the VAR (Video Assistant Referee). Both teams kept playing 11v11.
In the second 30-minute period, Bruna scored his first of the game at the 34th minute when he intercepted a ball at the edge of OKC's 18-yard box and fired a perfect low shot to beat the keeper. Unfortunately, the Energy FC found the equalizer two minutes later, when Phillip Rasmussen jumped on a loose ball after a scramble to tie the game at 1-1 after 60 minutes.
Ottawa retook the lead with 20 minutes left in the game, when Bruna scored his second of the match on a penalty kick. The 26-year-old midfielder was brought down in the box and went on to take the penalty kick. He gave OKC's goalkeeper, Cody Laurendi, no chance with a perfect shot to his right, giving Ottawa a 2-1 win.
"We played pretty well tonight. Everyone fought really hard to get the win tonight," said Bruna."We always want to win, we talk about it in the locker-room, and we want to make that a habit. We play to win games, and we did it tonight. "
"I think I'm slowly getting back to my level after a tough year last year. Everyone kept believing in me, from the staff to the players and now I want to repay them for that," added Bruna.
Fury FC will wrap up their week-long camp at IMG Academy with a clash against FC Cincinnati on Saturday (4 p.m.). Season tickets are available at OttawaFuryFC.com, by calling 613.232.6767 X1 or in person at The Box Office at TD Place.
MATCH REPORT:
Starting XI:
1st 30 minutes (Formation 3-4-3)
Irving; Obasi, Martin Del Campo, McEleney; Campbell, Manesio, Rozeboom (Bruna 28'), Edward; Sito, Hume, Haworth
2nd 30 minutes (Formation 3-4-3)
Irving; Obasi, McEleney, Manesio; Campbell, Bruna, Dixon, Barden; Sito, Dos Santos (Hume 43'), Haworth
Final 30 minutes: (3-4-2-1)
Paulmin; Campbell, Martin Del Campo, McEleney; Mkungilwa, Manesio, Obasi, Dixon; Bruna, Barden; Hume
Scoring Summary:
34' OTT - Gerardo Bruna
36' OKC - Philip Rasmussen
67' OTT - Gerardo Bruna (PK)
Caution Summary:
20' OKC - Jose Barril
22' OTT - Andrae Campbell
47' OKC - Alejandro Covarrubias
49' OKC - Coady Andrews
80' OTT - Tucker Hume
Ejection Summary:
28' OTT - Lance Rozeboom
Next Preseason Match: February 25 @ FC Cincinnati - 4 pm, IMG Academy
Images from this story
 Bruna's Pair of Goals Lifts Fury FC Past Energy FC (Jason Roberts/Envision Sports Media) |
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