Fury FC Falls 2-0 in Memphis
July 28, 2019 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Ottawa Fury FC News Release
OTTAWA - Following a strong showing in USL Championship and Canadian Championship over the past week, Fury FC hit the road to face Memphis 901 FC on Saturday in the second face-off between the two sides this season. Despite controlling most of the game, Fury FC could not outscore its opponent and saw Memphis grab the win 2-0.
It took almost 60 minutes before either team could break the stalemate, with Memphis taking a 1-0 lead on a deflected corner that found the back of the net. 901 FC would add a second shortly after with 25 minutes to play. Fury FC was never outplayed but unfortunately couldn't put its name on the scorecard on the night.
STORYLINES
For the first time this season, midfielder Charlie Ward started the match sporting the captain's armband, with Haworth on the bench.
Playing on a significantly smaller field at AutoZone Park (100 x 70 yards) compared to the space provided by the pitch at TD Place (114 x 74 yards), Fury FC was forced to stay compact and adjust its playing patterns.
It still connected over 650 passes, maintaining an accuracy of 83%. Ottawa maintained 66% of the ball possession over the 90min.
This is only the 2nd loss Fury FC's since April 20th, and Ottawa now sits at 8W-8D-4L after week 21 of action.
Ottawa remains in 7th position in the USL Championship Eastern Conference table, only 5 points away from a top 4.
POST-GAME COMMENTS
Head Coach Nikola Popovic
"It looks to me like we had control of the game most of the night. They did not create a lot of chances. However, we switched off on two moments and it costs us the goals. The players kept fighting but we just couldn't score. We have to learn from these mistakes and come back stronger."
"Looking at the performance, we don't have too much to correct. But there are moments in the game we have to be more focused. At this level, you can't afford to lose your focus or it can cost you, and tonight it cost us three points."
"Tonight, we didn't lose, we just ran out of time. The boys fought until the end. Moments like these happen in football. We have to remain confident."
MATCH REPORT
Download match photos (credit: Memphis 901 FC / USL Championship)
Watch match highlights | Review match statistics
Starting XI
Ottawa Fury FC (4-3-3): Irving; Obasi, Barnathan, Meilleur-Giguère, Dixon (60' Haworth); Fall, Ward ©, De Freitas (68' Mutambala); Oliveira, Gagnon-Laparé (64' Tissot), François
Memphis 901 FC (4-2-3-1): Caldwell; Charpie, Burch, Hauser-Ramsey, Grandison; Metzger, Lindley (79' Mohamed); Kunga (72' Hackworth), Paul, Najem; Allen (84' Graf)
Scoring Summary
59' - MEM (OTT OG) Meilleur-Giguère
62' - MEM Najem (Allen)
Caution Summary
80' - OTT Oliveira
90+4' - OTT Haworth
90+6' - OTT Fall
90+6' - MEM Paul
Attendance
6,614
Next home match: Friday, August 2 v Birmingham Legion (Patio Party)
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