USL Ottawa Fury FC

Fury FC Maintain Streaks in Home Win Versus TFC II

May 30, 2018 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Ottawa Fury FC News Release


OTTAWA - The unbeaten run and the shutout streak are still intact for Ottawa Fury FC, thanks to a 3-0 victory over Toronto FC II in front of 3,219 boisterous supporters at TD Place Wednesday night. Steevan Dos Santos netted a brace, while Nana Attakora headed home a corner to give Ottawa all three points.

It was another ideal start to a match for Fury FC. Eddie Edward sent an enticing ball forward into the box. TFC II goalkeeper Drew Shepherd took out Kevin Oliveira on his way through, drawing a penalty for Ottawa. Both Oliveira and Shepherd were left bloodied, with Shepherd having to leave the game on a stretcher.

After a delay, Steevan Dos Santos stepped up to take the penalty. Against a fresh goalkeeper in Gianluca Catalano, Dos Santos slotted the ball into the left side of the net. The goal would stand as his second, making the front man the only Fury FC player with numerous markers on the year.

In the 28th minute it was determined that Oliveira, despite his best efforts, couldn't continue. The 20-year-old Gabriel Balbinotti was brought in to replace Oliveira in the midfield. With the introduction of the Montreal, QC native, Fury FC had nine Canadian players on the field. At that time, 18 of the 22 players on the pitch between the two clubs were Canadian.

In the lengthy added time, Onua Obasi was able to draw a free kick just outside the box after a couple of nice skill moves. Carl Haworth chipped the ball in, however, Dos Santos's headed attempt was straight at Catalano. TFC II countered quickly, but Nana Attakora was able to break up the attack. The first half ended with Ottawa up by one.

Fury FC had a great start to the second 45. Ottawa was able to draw three straight corner kicks, and third time was a charm as Attakora rose above his marker and put a pinpoint Haworth delivery into the back of the net. It was Attakora's first goal for the club, and his first goal period since May 8, 2016 (3,492 minutes played).

After the second Fury FC goal, TFC II started to show some pushback. A lengthy passing sequence led to Matthew Srbely having an open look at the top of the box. The Ottawa backline was thankful that Srbely scuffed his shot and sent it high out of play.

Maxime Crépeau literally saved Ottawa's shutout streak midway through the second half. A ball was able to slice the Fury defense apart, with Shaan Hundal getting on the end of it. His touch was a bit heavy, allowing for Crépeau to slide in and intervene. Fury FC's shutout streak is now at an impressive 553 minutes. The franchise record is 648 minutes, which means Ottawa still have a game and a bit to go before being able to break that record, which was set in 2015.

Dos Santos put the cherry on top for Ottawa in the final quarter hour with a fantastic individual effort. He took advantage of a thin Toronto backline thanks to a brilliant first touch around his defender and placed it into the net. If for some his leaping celebration left much to be desired, it was clear the striker couldn't contain his enthusiasm with scoring a brace.

Fury FC will look to continue their now six-game unbeaten run when they face Charlotte Independence on Saturday, June 2 at TD Place (KO 7:00 pm). Ottawa will be looking to get some revenge on Charlotte after they handed Fury FC a 4-1 season opening defeat. Ottawa will then have a week off before hitting the road to face North Carolina FC on Wednesday, June 13 (KO 7:00 pm).

POST-GAME COMMENTS

Head Coach Nikola Popovic

"I think we should be proud of our players and how they fought today. We have to remember we have eight Canadian players in the starting eleven. This is something that makes Ottawa and Canadian football proud."

On the progress made this season... "It is now six games without conceding a goal with a Canadian product, which is very important for us. From where we were seven months ago to where we are now, we are in good shape. We are moving towards our goals, but we are still far. This team can play much better."

Goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau

"The boys are confident and we are on a good run right now. We are trusting ourselves with the system that the coach puts on the tactics board and managing the good moments and the bad moments during the game. Saturday will be a tough game, but we want to keep going and our objective is three points."

MATCH REPORT

Full stats report on USL Match Centre or download the Opta Stats Report

Watch Game Highlights | Watch Post-Game Show & Reactions

Starting XI

Ottawa Fury FC (4-3-3): Crépeau; Obasi, Meilleur-Giguere, Attakora, Edward; Dixon, Mannella, Oliveira (28' Balbinotti - 72' Luboyera); Reid (67' Taylor), Dos Santos, Haworth ©

Toronto FC II (4-2-3-1): Shepherd (16' Catalano); Onkony, Romeo, Boskovic, Petrasso; Campbell (52' Campbell), Srbely (70' Srbely); Faria, Uccello ©, Waja; Johnson

Scoring Summary

16' - Dos Santos

48' - Attakora

79' - Dos Santos

Caution Summary

59' - Romeo

80' - Boskovic

Attendance

3,219

Next Match: Saturday, June 2 v Charlotte Independence - 7:00 p.m. - TD Place



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