Fury FC Streak Snapped
August 15, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Ottawa Fury FC News Release
OTTAWA, ON - It was unlucky 13 for Fury FC as Minnesota United stole all the points at TD Place Saturday night in front of a record crowd of 6,899. Ottawa has their hopes of tying the NASL record for consecutive games unbeaten wiped away by Daniel Mendes' 94th minute winner. Ottawa's lead atop the NASL Fall standings remains at five points after Atlanta fell in Jacksonville.
"We need points to make the playoffs. That's what we need to think about. I think we were better than Minnesota overall. I think our second half was very good. We spent a lot of time in their half, we reacted well and we tied the game," said Fury FC head coach Marc Dos Santos. "What I told everybody was to keep their heads high."
Sporting new red plaid alternate kits, Ottawa Fury FC came into the contest with the city's eyes watching as the club looked to continue its dominance atop the NASL standings.
Ottawa Fury FC traded possession in a crowded midfield in the opening 15 minutes before Fury defender Ryan Richter almost put a floating cross from Oliver into the back of the net.
In the 17th minute, the Loons broke the stalemate courtesy of the hottest striker in the NASL. Minnesota United forward Christian Ramirez won the ball from defender Rafael Alves and beat Romuald Peiser at the near post to extend his scoring streak to seven games.
Fury FC went right back on the attack looking to avenge Minnesota's tally with attempts from forwards Tom Heinemann and Oliver. Goalkeeper Peiser made a great save on Minnesota United defender Tiago Calvano in the 36th minute to keep the match close.
In first half stoppage time, Fury forward Andrew Wiedeman had the best attempt of the half for Ottawa as he sent a fantastic lobbing header towards the goal, but the outstretched arms of Minnesota keeper Mitch Hildebrandt punched the ball over the bar ensuring the visitors carried the 1-0 lead into the half.
Fans jumped to their feet early in the second half when Ottawa looked to have scored when Tom Heinemann collided with Minnesota keeper Mitch Hildebrandt, but Heinemann was called for the foul.
Ottawa threaten with several crossed to the back post through the second half and we finally rewarded for their efforts in the 73rd minute. Forward Andrew Wiedeman put the ball between the legs of Hildebrandt to give Ottawa the equalizer and send the capacity crowd into a roar. The goal was Wiedeman's third in two games after the striker netted a pair in Indianapolis last week.
In stoppage time, Minnesota United were awarded a controversial free kick just outside the 18-yard box. Forward Daniel Mendes stepped up to send the ball off the far post and in giving the visitors a 2-1 lead. The goal proved to be the final blow as Minnesota United stole a 2-1 victory from Fury FC ending their 12-game unbeaten streak.
In six lifetime meetings, five games have been decided by one goal with Minnesota winning three of those matches in stoppage time.
Ottawa Fury FC will have a bye week before hosting the New York Cosmos in a pivotal heavyweight clash on August 26 at TD Place. Fury FC will close out their three-game homestand against the Tampa Bay Rowdies on August 29. Tickets to these and all Fall Season matches are available at OttawaFuryFC.com.
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North American Soccer League Stories from August 15, 2015
- Armada Edge Atlanta in Narrow Affair - Atlanta Silverbacks
- Armada Extend Home Unbeaten Streak to Four with 1-0 Win over Atlanta - Jacksonville Armada FC
- Strikers Top Rowdies for Coastal Cup Lead - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Minnesota Stops Ottawa's Unbeaten Streak to Headline Week 7 Results - NASL
- Fury FC Streak Snapped - Ottawa Fury FC
- Fury FC Streak Snapped - Ottawa Fury FC
- Minnesota United Ends Fury Streak with Dramatic 2-1 Stoppage Time Win - Minnesota United FC
- Scorpions Fight Hard But Ultimately Lose 1-2 in New York - San Antonio Scorpions
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