Fury FC Fall to Nashville SC in 2019 Home Opener
April 6, 2019 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Ottawa Fury FC News Release
OTTAWA - Making its long-awaited return to TD Place, while it is the earliest home opener in franchise history, Ottawa Fury FC got back on the field on Saturday afternoon to face MLS-bound Nashville SC in front of over 6,500 fans. Unfortunately for the Fury FC Family, powerhouse Nashville SC cracked through Ottawa's tight core, stealing a 3-0 from their Nation's Capital host.
Nashville SC forward Daniel Rios showed Ottawa fans why he was the first Nashville SC player signed to an MLS contract as he scored twice, first in the 33rd minute, and to close the match in the 80th minute. Former Fury FC forward Tucker Hume collected the second goal in the 67th minute.
STORYLINES
Trusting his most game-proven lineup to date, Head Coach Popovic started the same formation as he did three weeks earlier in Birmingham. A healthy mix of new and returning players was on display for home fans, with 6 of the 11 starters being Canadians.
Fury FC maintained a majority of the possession, particularly in the first half. Ottawa's possession-based style was also highlighted by the club's 81% passing accuracy and connecting for 588 passes, almost double of what Nashville put together, and a number that keeps increasing match after match.
A key performer once more in Fury FC's midfield, Charlie Ward led the charges with 102 passes and 93% accuracy over the 90 minutes. Nashville's closest passing leader was Moloto with 39 passes and 82% accuracy.
Newcomer Mour Samb, who came on in the 65th minute, attempted two of Fury FC's four total shots on the day. François and Dixon had the other two.
POST-GAME COMMENTS
Head Coach Nikola Popovic
"It was a very important assessment for us to see where we are at this point of the season. I think [Nashville] were a fair winner today, they played better than our team, however I think we can do much better. I think the difference between the two clubs is not as big as the scoreboard shows."
"The space was there, but we were not able to detect the right moment, the right timing of the passing. If we can connect one or two more passes in their half, we will be able to shoot towards the goal, and that's what was missing. We have to create more chances."
Captain Carl Haworth
"Soccer is a game of inches, and a game of moments. There were some spells where we were fantastic. We implemented our style of play, possession-based building from the back, keeping the ball, and they were getting frustrated. But you switch off for one second as a team and that's when they scored the goal."
"Moving forward, what we need to improve on, is that final pass. And getting something from the hard work and the possession."
MATCH REPORT
Download match photos (credit: Freestyle Photography / Steve Kingsman)
Watch match highlights | Review match statistics
Starting XI
Ottawa Fury FC (4-3-3): Monsalve; Gagnon-Laparé, Barnathan, Meilleur-Giguère, Dixon; Fall, Ward, Mannella; Haworth © (77' Daniels), Oliveira (65' Samb), François
Nashville SC (4-4-2): Sparrow; Davis, Doyle, Tribbett, Kimura; Moloto (76' Washington), Reed, LaGrassa, Belmar (90' Winn); Rios, Hume (68' Mensah)
Scoring Summary
33' - NSH Rios (Davis)
67' - NSH Hume (Moloto)
80' - NSH Rios
Caution Summary
26' - OTTGagnon-Laparé
69' - NSH Moloto
90' - OTT Mannella
Attendance
6,543
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