Fury FC Looking for Strong Performance in Tampa Bay
April 7, 2017 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Ottawa Fury FC News Release
OTTAWA FURY FC @ TAMPA BAY ROWDIES
KICKOFF: SATURDAY, APRIL 8 2017 - 7:30 PM (AL LANG STADIUM - ST. PETERSBURG, FL)
LIVE IN-GAME STATS: CLICK HERE
BROADCAST INFO:
TV: ROGERS TV | CHANNELS : 22 (SD) ; 182 (HD)
LIVE STREAM: USL Match Center
ENGLISH RADIO: TSN 1200 / TSN1200.ca
FRENCH RADIO: N/A
TWITTER: Follow @OTTAWAFURYFC for LIVE updates
OTTAWA, ON- Paul Dalglish, Lance Rozeboom and company said that the squad would have plenty of fight this season and that was evidence in their USL debut in Saint Louis. Fury FC overturned a two-goal deficit and while St. Louis nabbed a late match winner to prevail 3-2, there are many positives that the club will carry into Tampa Bay this Saturday as Fury FC and the Rowdies renew their rivalry.
Following a week of intense training, Dalglish's side look to play with the same determination and intensity as they did in the second half against St. Louis and will need that form for 90 minutes against the Eastern-Conference-leading Rowdies who have yet to concede a goal this season outscoring their opposition 5-0 in their first two matches.
While Fury FC didn't get off to the start their wanted in their season-opener, the team's determination in coming back was one of the key positives along with the constant threats they showed on set pieces including Eddie Edward's goal from the Gerardo Bruna corner - the first-ever USL goal for Ottawa. Contributions also came from Ottawa's backend with Onua Obasi tallying for Ottawa.
Fury FC fired 18 shots against Saint Louis FC with 10 of them coming from inside the box showing their ability to break down the opposition's defence and generate chances from close range. The Rowdies are no slouch either, firing 37 shots in their opening two fixtures and boasting league's second best passing accuracy (82%) thanks in large part to their midfield talisman, former England International, Joe Cole.
In addition to Cole's prowess, defender Luke Boden and striker Georgi Hristov have combined for over 25% of the Rowdies' successful passes. Midfielder Michael Nanchoff must not be overlooked either as he's tied among the league leaders in assists with two in the early goings of the season.
Following Saturday's match, Fury FC will wrap up their three game stint on the road in Richmond when they take on the Kickers on April 15.
What are they saying?
Fury FC GM and Head Coach, Paul Dalglish:
"We'll have to be at our best to beat them, but I have so much confidence and belief in this group of players that I think we can go there and get a good result. We have to be very sound defensively though because they have so many dangerous attacking pieces that can hurt us, but I'm very confident going into Saturday's game."
Fury FC Defender Eddie Edward:
"There was a lot of pride to score for your hometown club and I was very happy to get my first professional goal. Going into this weekend we have to focus on the things we did right and improve on them. We have to get in their faces and make it difficult for them. If we play and press with the pace that we're accustomed to, they will have a tough time."
Fury FC Defender Onua Obasi:
"It was a nice moment to score my first goal for the club, I even thought we did enough for a point, maybe even three but unfortunately we didn't get what we deserved. We know Tampa pretty well, so we're going into that game very confident and we'll play with high energy hoping for a good result."
Fury FC's all-Canadian home opener set for April 22 against Toronto FC II. Season tickets for the 2017 USL season are now on-sale at OttawaFuryFC.com, by calling 613.232.6767 X1 or in person at The Box Office at TD Place.
Referee: Matthew Miscannon
Assistants: Albert Escovar and Alexander Derostang
Fourth Official: Miguel Martes
United Soccer League Championship Stories from April 7, 2017
- Rhinos Draw Toronto FC II 0-0 - Rochester Rhinos
- LouCity Adds Kaye for Saturday's Game in Richmond - Louisville City FC
- Fury FC Looking for Strong Performance in Tampa Bay - Ottawa Fury FC
- Quote Sheet: Real Monarchs SLC 5:3 Reno 1868 FC - Real Monarchs
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