NASL Ottawa Fury FC

Fury FC Earn Hard Fought Road Point Extending Unbeaten Streak to Seven Games

Published on July 11, 2015 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Ottawa Fury FC News Release


Ottawa Fury FC vs. Minnesota United
Ottawa Fury FC vs. Minnesota United
(Ottawa Fury FC)

BLAINE, MN - Ottawa Fury FC might have seen their league-record shutout streak come to an end Saturday night in Minnesota, but they proved to be road warriors earning a hard fought point with a 1-1 draw against Minnesota United FC extending their unbeaten streak to seven games (2W-5D-0L). After Christian Ramirez ended the shutout streak in the first half, Tom Heinemann converted a penalty kick fifteen minutes from time to help Ottawa climb the NASL Fall Season standings where they sit second with just goal difference keeping FC Edmonton on top.

"We didn't start the game well," said Head Coach Marc Dos Santos. "It took us time to settle and Minnesota deserved to be up a goal."

"Our character and personality was tested and we gave a good answer in the second half. These guys just don't give up!"

Minnesota United goalkeeper Sammy Ndjock denied Tom Heinemann early in the match and then Romuald Peiser took over. Peiser was very active in the early part of the first half - directing traffic, intercepting crosses and robbing Kalif Alhassan on a sure goal from close range to keep the clean sheet intact.

Ibson proved a constant threat all night in the midfield for the Loons setting up Daniel Mendes, Christian Ramirez and Alhassan several times in the opening half, It was veteran defender Tiago Calvano that helped break the game open in the 32nd minute when he sent a 30 yard ball through to Christian Ramirez who slipped in behind the Ottawa defence and blasted a shot past Peiser becoming the first player to have beaten Peiser and his teammates in 648 minutes.

For the duration of the half, both Ottawa and Minnesota exchanged dangerous attacking runs, but neither could find a quality shot on goal. Ottawa would lose Sinisa Ubiparipovic to inury late in the half, forcing Dos Santos to burn a sub early.

The intensity between Ottawa and Minnesota was clear as the first half wore on and became clear in the second half when defender Brent Kallman kicked Peiser in the hand after he dove to cover the lose ball. While Minnesota owned more possession on the day, Ottawa produced several strong chances in the second half through Heinemann, Andrew Wiedeman and Carl Haworth.

Last season's leading scorer Oliver came into the match replacing Wiedeman and made an immediate impact winning Ottawa a corner. On the ensuing corner, Oliver was kicked in the face by Christian Ramirez forcing Dos Santos to make another sub as the Brazilian striker left the field bloodied.

Fury FC were awarded a penalty kick on the play which Tom Heinemann converted for his third goal of the season and second in as many games.

Minnesota would go to their bench to help restore their lead and changed formations, but Fury FC defended as a unit to deny the Loons of a second goal earning Ottawa a hard fought road point.

Fury FC return home to TD Place for three games in the course of a week facing Indy Eleven (July 19), Atlanta Silverbacks (July 22) and the Carolina RailHawks (July 26). Fans are asked to bring a non-perishable food item or cash donation to the July 19th match for Purolator Tackle Hunger Weekend in support of the Ottawa Food Bank. Tickets to these and all Fall Season matches are available at OttawaFuryFC.com.

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Ottawa Fury FC vs. Minnesota United
Ottawa Fury FC vs. Minnesota United
   



North American Soccer League Stories from July 11, 2015


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