Gutsy Performance Lead Fury FC to 1-1 Draw in New York
July 5, 2019 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Ottawa Fury FC News Release
OTTAWA - After its last-minute defeat in Tampa against the co-leaders of the league, Fury FC headed out south of the border to face a familiar opponent in the New York Red Bulls II on Saturday night. In another character-filled performance, Ottawa shut down New York on their way to a well-earned 1-1 draw and a valuable point.
Fury FC took an early lead on an expert strike by captain Carl Haworth who took advantage of a collision between two NYRBII players to shoot uncontested on net and beat the New York keeper. Ottawa, battling after going a man down midway in the first half, saw Red Bulls II level the score in the 54th on a strike from Zajec. In the end, Ottawa's goalkeeper Callum Irving's five critical saves helped Fury FC earn a hard-fought 1-1 draw.
STORYLINES
Fury FC Head Coach Nikola Popovic, as advertised earlier in the week, rotated in a few changes for his starting lineup, bringing in Obasi and Dixon on the back line and Thiago de Freitas getting his first start since his return from injury.
Gatineau-native Maxim Tissot made a return to play in the 73rd minute; he had been kept off the field since June 25, 2018, with a knee injury.
Despite going down a man in the 24th minute (following a second caution shown to Jérémy Gagnon-Laparé leading to his expulsion), Fury FC shifted focus, stayed compact and conceded only 6 shots on target to NYRBII, none in the first half.
Ottawa's goalkeeper Callum Irving had a night, frustrating New York on a number of occasions. He faced a total of 25 shots, making 5 critical saves.
POST-GAME COMMENTS
Head Coach Nikola Popovic
"This was a game we needed to look at resting some of our players and give time to others. We started the game very well, the team came out very composed, very rigorous, very well positioned on the field. Exactly according to the plan! And then we scored a goal. But then we got the red card that made us play about 75 minutes a man down. So once more, these players showed us great character and heart."
"In a game, you can't control everything. But one thing that is part of our culture, is that we will fight until the end. And that is what you saw out there tonight. The will to fight until the very last whistle."
MATCH REPORT
Download match photos (credit: New York Red Bulls II)
Watch match highlights | Review match statistics
Starting XI
Ottawa Fury FC (4-3-3): Irving; Obasi, Barnathan, Meilleur-Giguère, Dixon (79' Attakora); Gagnon-Laparé, de Freitas (73' Tissot), Mannella; François, Oliveira (90+6' Boskovic), Haworth ©
New York Red Bulls II (4-3-3): Louro; Yanes (46' Loebe), Kilwien, Scarlett, Buckmaster (82' Mines); Stroud, Lema, Zajec; Bezecourt ©, Elney, Epps (62' Jorgensen)
Scoring Summary
20' - OTT Haworth
54' - NY Zajec (Stroud)
Caution Summary
12' - OTT de Freitas
13' - OTT Gagnon-Laparé
24' - OTT Gagnon-Laparé
44' - OTT Haworth
64' - NY Lema
90' - NY Kilwien
90+2' - NY Louro
Expulsion Summary
24' - OTT Gagnon-Laparé (accumulation)
Attendance
812
Next home match: Sunday, July 14 v Louisville City FC (Dog Day Afternoon)
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