Late-Game Heroics Keep Fury FC Unbeaten at Home
Published on May 7, 2016 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Ottawa Fury FC News Release
Marcel De Jong of Ottawa Fury FC Celebrates his Stoppage Time Equalizer with Paulo Junior
(Ottawa Fury FC, Credit: Steve Kingsman/FuryFC)
OTTAWA, ON - Ottawa Fury FC offered up an early Mother's Day present Saturday afternoon as Marcel De Jong scored the equalizer in second-half stoppage time to send the moms and the rest of the 4,317 at TD Place home happy on the back of the 2-2 draw with rival Minnesota United FC.
After Minnesota goalkeeper Sammy Ndjock was pulled way out of position with time running out, Fury forward Paulo Junior sent the ball into the box to an unmarked de Jong, who sent the ball into the open net.
De Jong figured prominently in this one after coming into the game at halftime. With Fury trailing 1-0 after 45 minutes thanks to an early goal by Minnesota's Christian Ramirez, a cross attempt by an attacking De Jong deflected off Minnesota's Jeb Brovsky and past a helpless Ndjock.
"We worked really really hard on our fitness levels and we plan training so that we are strong in the final stages of games and I think it takes time for that to start showing but I think in the last couple of games we've scored late goals and that shows you the training regime we've implemented is starting to bare fruits," said Fury coach Paul Dalglish post-game. "Minnesota is a good team but for me, even when they scored the second goal, I felt it was against the run of play. I thought after we scored we really had the momentum and it was almost like a sucker punch when they scored. But then we found a way to get that equalizer, so the spirit in the dressing room is high. The passion and the performances are good.
Though Fury, now unbeaten in eight-straight at TD Place, controlled much of the play after the Minnesota own-goal, it was the Loons who managed to pull back in front in the 75th minute as Ben Speas found himself on the right end of a low cross into the box and beat Ottawa keeper Romuald Peiser. Once again, it was all Fury after that as the home side pushed for the equalizer, which came at the death and sent the crowd into hysterics.
"It was a tough game of course and I think in the first half they were dominating, they were much better than us," said De Jong. "I think second half was our half. We played much better so I think it's a fair result."
It was a different story early in the game, as Minnesota attacked early and often in the opening minutes. The Fury defence held strong until the Ramirez scored off a corner kick in the 13th minute. Brovsky's misdirected header fell to Ramirez, who turned and fired his fourth goal of the season past a diving Peiser. The conceded goal seemed to ignite the Fury's attacking play but the team was unable to create any clear cut scoring chances. The home team's best chance of the opening 45 came just before the halftime whistle when Fury centre back Rafael Alves curled a free kick on goal.
Fury FC is back in action Wednesday night as they travel to west to face FC Edmonton in the first leg of the Amway Canadian Championship semi-final. Kick-off is set for 9 p.m.
Single game tickets are available now, calling 613-232-6767 x1 or in person at the TD Place Box Office. Interested in more than just single game tickets? Fans can buy their 2016 Fury FC season tickets here and become part of a growing legion of fans that has helped make TD Place a fortress.
Images from this story
 Marcel De Jong of Ottawa Fury FC Celebrates his Stoppage Time Equalizer with Paulo Junior (Steve Kingsman/FuryFC) |
North American Soccer League Stories from May 7, 2016
- Cosmos Roll to 3-0 Win in Miami - New York Cosmos
- New York Back on Top, Indy Still Unbeaten as Spring Season Action Heats Up - NASL
- Indy Eleven Stays Undefeated with 1-1 Draw vs. FC Edmonton - Indy Eleven
- RailHawks Fall at Home to Fort Lauderdale - North Carolina FC
- Eddies Draw Undefeated Indy Eleven 1-1 to Close out Road Trip - FC Edmonton
- Strikers Snap Winless Streak with 3-1 Win over League Leaders - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Armada Dominates Key Stats But Can't Convert in Loss to Rayo OKC - Jacksonville Armada FC
- Late-Game Heroics Keep Fury FC Unbeaten at Home - Ottawa Fury FC
- United Draws 2-2 with Fury, Remains Unbeaten in Four Straight Matches - Minnesota United FC
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