Fury FC Earn Crucial Point in Draw with Rowdies
Published on May 9, 2015 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Ottawa Fury FC News Release
Ottawa Fury FC vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies
(Ottawa Fury FC, Credit: Steve Kingsman)
OTTAWA, ON (May 9, 2015) - Looking to get back in the win column, Ottawa Fury FC had to settle for a scoreless draw against the Tampa Bay Rowdies at TD Place on Saturday despite a strong overall performance from the injury-plagued squad.
"We know that in this league, if you don't lose and if you earn points, every little point adds up for a post-season spot," said Ottawa Fury FC Head Coach Marc Dos Santos.
For the second straight match Fury FC tangoed with one the top sides in the NASL and to no surprise the match start like that of a chess match. Ubiparipovic would produce the first chance of the match off a free-kick, but Matt Pickens made a diving stop.
Moments later it was his counterpart Romuald Peiser's time to shine as he denied Darnell King. Minutes later Peiser and Alves would come together to make a key stop, but both went down injured on the play. Alves would come out of the match for a brief period and would eventually be forced from the match due to the leg injury seeing Mauro Eustaquio earn his first minutes of the NASL season and pushing Drew Beckie into Alves' vacant role on defence after he started in midfield. This was a tough blow for Fury FC since they were already dealing with injuries to Tom Heinemann, Richie Ryan, Philippe Davies, Mike Randolph and Oliver prior to the contest.
Despite the different line-up appearance, the chemistry continued for Ottawa with multiple opportunities coming in the offensive zone in the first half. Forward Andrew Wiedeman had the best opportunity late in stoppage time, but he popped the ball just wide.
The second half started similar to the first with neither side willing to concede time and space in the midfield. Fury FC would find another gear and would start to dictate the tempo for the duration of the second half with Poltronieri, Haworth, Ubiparipovic and De Guzman all making great runs forward as Ottawa threatened the Tampa back line.
In the 78th minute, off a Fury corner, shouts were made for a hand ball inside the box, but no call was made much to the dismay of Fury players and supporters.
Ottawa would keep the pressure on late as both Ubiparipovic and Poltronieri found themselves in scoring positions inside the box, but neither were able to get a clean shot off as Ottawa and Tampa played to a scoreless stalemate in the scorching heat at TD Place. An impressive performance from Ottawa's back line that saw Drew Beckie named Heart and Crown Man of the Match.
Images from this story
 Ottawa Fury FC vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies (Steve Kingsman) |
North American Soccer League Stories from May 9, 2015
- Scorpions Beat the Carolina RailHawks 1-0 for First Win of the 2015 - San Antonio Scorpions
- First Shutout in Club History Catapults Armada FC into Second Place - Jacksonville Armada FC
- RailHawks Lose Away at Toyota Field - North Carolina FC
- San Antonio, Minnesota Earn First Spring Season Wins on Saturday - NASL
- Indy Eleven's Undefeated Streak Snapped in Jacksonville - Indy Eleven
- United Defeats Atlanta 1-0 in Second Straight Sellout - Minnesota United FC
- Silverbacks See Unbeaten Run Ended in Minnesota - Atlanta Silverbacks
- Fury FC Earn Crucial Point in Draw with Rowdies - Ottawa Fury FC
- Match Day 6 | Silverbacks Visit Minnesota United - Atlanta Silverbacks
- Minnesota United Looks for First Win on Soccer Mom Appreciation Night - Minnesota United FC
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