Haworth Free-Kick Earns Crucial Point in Spring Season Finale
June 11, 2016 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Ottawa Fury FC News Release
OTTAWA, ON - Ottawa Fury FC closed out the NASL Spring Season Saturday night at TD Place with a dominant performance against Rayo OKC earning a crucial point in a 1-1 draw. The match featured a bit of everything - an early goal, a spectacular free-kick, impressive goalkeeping, countless scoring chances, another big crowd ... and an ejection. Fury FC finish the Spring campaign with a record of 2W-2D-1L at TD Place.
"The team looked really good tonight," said head coach Paul Dalglish. "For the guys, with such short numbers, with the amount of travel they have done, with the amount of minutes they've played...to get a point out of that game and to put in a performance like that, its probably the highlight of the spring season for me. That shows your character."
The visitors captured the lead in the second minute after an early miscontrolled pass allowed Rayo striker Ian Svantesson in on goal. The 6-foot-6 striker made no mistake with the opportunity and a fired a low shot past a sprawling Romuald Peiser. The early conceded goal sparked Ottawa into action and the home team went on to generate 13 shots and control 62% of possession in the opening half.. Despite the positive attacking intent, Fury FC were unable to find the back of the net. The intensity of the match was not just present on the pitch, but on the sidelines too and in the 27th minute head coach Paul Dalglish was ejected from the match.
Ottawa carried their positive attacking play into the second half and gave the home crowd of 7800+ something outstanding to cheer about in the 60th minute when Carl Haworth curled a free kick over the OKC wall, striking the inside of the post and rippling the back of the net - he scored in a third straight match. The goal added fuel to the Fury attack that pressed the visitors with wave after wave of attacking play.
"It was over the wall and it was unsaveable," said Dalglish. "But Carl's got that quality, he's been a revelation this season. He is somebody that's really embraced the new ideas and is flourishing this season."
In the 89th minute, Fury FC academy player Dario Conte made his NASL debut for the club - the first Academy player to feature for the club this season. Despite the continued pressure and the addition of the 18-year old Conte, Fury FC were unable to find the game-winning goal and the game finished as a draw.
"Overall we dominated, minus the slow-start on my part and I think the guys did well defensively," said captain Julian de Guzman. "Well-organized, disciplined and we were really creative going forwards as well. It was good character that we showed."
"It was great to see academy player Dario Conte come on for his club debut," de Guzman added. "I wish him all the best. It is a dream for him, to get that debut at home and I have played with him a bunch of times in training and I could see that he has been eager and hungry for this very moment. Its great to see that happen for a home-grown player and i think it is something great for the future of the club.
After playing the six match in the course of three week, Fury FC players will earn a much needed break as the NASL season pauses for three weeks with the Fall Season kicking off July 2 in New York when Fury FC tackle the New York Cosmos. The Fall Season home opener for Fury FC will feature a rematch of Saturday night's match against Rayo OKC on Sunday July 10th at TD Place.
Fall season tickets are available, calling 613-232-6767 x1 or in person at the TD Place Box Office.
North American Soccer League Stories from June 11, 2016
- Indy Pulls off "Miracle at the Mike" to Move into First Place - NASL
- Minnesota United Finishes Spring Season with 3-1 Win - Minnesota United FC
- Improbable 4-1 Victory Puts Indy Eleven on Cusp of Spring Season Title - Indy Eleven
- Haworth Free-Kick Earns Crucial Point in Spring Season Finale - Ottawa Fury FC
- RailHawks Downed by Indy Eleven - North Carolina FC
- Rowdies End Spring Season with 1-1 Draw against Jacksonville Armada - Tampa Bay Rowdies
- Short-Handed Armada Draws, 1-1, with Rowdies in Spring Finale - Jacksonville Armada FC
- Eddies Host Strikers in Spring Season Finale at Clarke Field - FC Edmonton
- Indy Eleven Boosts Attack with Signing of Guinean International Forward Souleymane Youla - Indy Eleven
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
