Strikers Outlast Fury FC 2-1 at TD Place
May 27, 2016 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Ottawa Fury FC News Release
Marcel De Jong of Ottawa Fury FC Takes a Shot vs. the Fort Lauderdale Strikers
(Ottawa Fury FC, Credit: Steve Kingsman/Fury FC)
OTTAWA, ON - A dominant performance from Fury FC Friday night wasn't quite enough as the club fell 2-1 to the Fort Lauderdale Strikers in a physical and intense affair at TD Place. Despite leading every statistical category (possession, shots, passing, corner kicks), a goal in each half saw the Strikers nab their third straight road win and end Ottawa's home unbeaten streak at nine games. Carl Haworth converted for Fury FC - his first goal in NASL action this season.
Fury head coach Paul Dalglish said his side played as well as a team can play without getting a result.
"Fort Lauderdale are walking away with masks on tonight, it was absolutely robbery."
"Their goalkeeper has a career highlight night but that's as good a performance tonight as I've seen from any team in the NASL this season, if you take away the finishing."
After heading into the second half down a goal and then falling behind 2-0 in the 65th minute, Fury continued to battle and it paid off when Fort Lauderdale's Giuseppe Gentile was called for a hand ball in the penalty area in the 78th minute. Fury forward Carl Haworth made no mistake on the ensuing spot kick cutting the Strikers lead in half.
Despite a chance-filled final 10+ minutes Fury couldn't find the equalizer in front of 5,034 fans at TD Place. Ottawa ended the night with 69% possession and 15 shots.
While the home side enjoyed the majority of possession and a series of early scoring opportunities Fury found themselves heading into the break down a goal to the Strikers. Fort Lauderdale's leading scorer Maicon Santos notched his 4th of the season in the 8th minute with a well-struck half-volley setup by reigning NASL Player of the Week Ramon Nunez.
The early conceded goal only embolden the Fury in their attacking resolve, who came close to drawing level through chances from Chin, De Jong, Haworth and Olivera.
Goalkeeper Romuald Peiser said his team can take positives out of the loss.
"I think that was probably our best game this year. We had a lot of chances," he said. "We have to come out with our heads up from this game because we created a lot. We could easily have won that game. It's encouraging because we were working hard to create that many chances. It shows we're going in the right direction. In life sometimes you take a step back but you get stronger from it.
Fury FC returns to action on Wednesday, June 1st at TD Place when the club hosts MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps in the first leg of the Amway Canadian Championship semi-final.
Single game tickets are available now, calling 613-232-6767 x1 or in person at the TD Place Box Office. Interested in more than just single game tickets? Fans can buy their 2016 Fury FC season tickets here and become part of a growing legion of fans that has helped make TD Place a fortress.
Images from this story
 Marcel De Jong of Ottawa Fury FC Takes a Shot vs. the Fort Lauderdale Strikers (Steve Kingsman/Fury FC) |
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North American Soccer League Stories from May 27, 2016
- Strikers Outlast Fury FC 2-1 at TD Place - Ottawa Fury FC
- Strikers Triumph in Ottawa, Earn Third-Consecutive Road Win - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- FC Edmonton's Corea, Ledgerwood Returning to International Stage - FC Edmonton
- Julian de Guzman and Marcel De Jong Called to CanMNT - Ottawa Fury FC
- Two Points Separate Five Clubs in NASL Spring Season Title Race - NASL
- Minnesota United Enters Final Stretch with Spring Title on the Line - Minnesota United FC
- Richmond Win Will See Strikers Face D.C. United - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Eddies Face Miami FC in Penultimate Match of Spring Season - FC Edmonton
- Andy Seidel to Lead United Reserves in First Premier League of America Season - Minnesota United FC
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