Match Preview | Canadian Championship: Ottawa Fury FC vs. Toronto FC
July 24, 2018 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Ottawa Fury FC News Release
Kickoff: Wednesday, July 25 - 7:30 p.m. - BMO Field
BROADCAST INFO
LIVE STREAM: canadasoccer.com | ca.sports.Yahoo.com
RADIO: TSN 1200 and tsn1200.ca (EN)
TWITTER: Follow @OTTAWAFURYFC for LIVE updates #FuryFC #WeStandTogether #CanChamp
OTTAWA - Where there's a will, there's a way. That is the belief that Ottawa Fury FC will hold close as they travel to BMO Field on Wednesday night for the second leg of the Canadian Championship semi-final.
Strong off a solid performance, and 2-0 win, against Nashville SCthis past Saturday, one that got them into playoff contention and made waves across USL, seeing Fury FC make the league's Power Rankings for the first time this season, Ottawa heads down to Toronto with a clear plan: win.
In the first leg of the semi-final pinning them against MLS side Toronto FC last Wednesday, Fury FC turned in a spirited effort, evenly matching their opponent throughout the 90 minutes. If not of the early Osorio goal that gave Toronto FC the lead, Ottawa could've arguably closed the night on top.
As per previous years, time will tell if Toronto FC opt to field some of the stars they had left behind for the Ottawa trip - the likes of Giovinco and Bradley - but needless to say Fury FC is prepared to face whatever they are presented with. Minds of champions, Fury FC can be heard claiming that to be considered one of the best, you have to beat the best, and that is what they are setting themselves up to do on Wednesday when they face the reigning Canadian Championship and MLS champions.
Head Coach Nikola Popovic will have to look to his roster and make at least one change heading into the match, as left back Onua Obasi will be serving a one match suspension for accumulation of yellow cards in the competition.
And so the 'Battle of the North' continues this Wednesday, July 25 from BMO Field in Toronto, where Ottawa Fury FC will look to make it to the final round of the Canadian Championship for the first time in club history.
Fury FC return to TD Place on Saturday afternoon against Louisville City SC. It will also be Dog Day at TD Place, when pet lovers get to enjoy a great Fury FC match with their furry friend - visit OttawaFuryFC.com for more details and to get your tickets.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING
Head Coach, Nikola Popovic
On the win over Nashville on Saturday... "I think it was huge. The way it happened. It's not only about the scoreboard, it's about how they were able to fight until the end, always believing that it was possible to score a goal and accomplish the three points. For us, at this point of the season and of this project, it is very important that there is this belief amongst the roster."
On the Canadian Championship match... "We have to win. The team has to be prepared mentally, that whatever happens they have to fight, to find a way to win this game. We have to take our chances. We have to be very good on our last third, be able to create chances, and then when the chances come, we have to score."
Defender Nana Attakora
On the win over Nashville on Saturday... "It was a massive win for us! Finally got us above that red line to playoffs. We haven't accomplished anything yet, we know that, still a lot of games to go. But all credit to the fans: after [Nashville] missed that PK, they lifted us to get those two goals and without the fans we're nothing."
On the Canadian Championship match... "We have to be confident in our ability and the tactics that the coaches have put in place. A 1-0 is nothing hard, you go get a goal, it works in our favour - any win will do the job. We have to believe in ourselves, believe in the club and the coaches and do what we're supposed to do."
Goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau
On the win over Nashville on Saturday... "It felt great, that's for sure. Late winning goals are the best, for the feeling and the confidence of the team, and the fans. They were with us from the beginning, we could really feel they were doing their role, and really pushing behind us. They did a great job and it was great for us, now we're right there in a playoff spot so we have to keep going and get into that top 5 as soon as possible."
On the Canadian Championship match... "We need to go there with a winning mentality. We need to go there and be the aggressor. We're down 1-0 and it's a 90-minute game. It'll be difficult, we know it, it's not going to be easy, but if they came here and won 1-0 we can do the same thing."
United Soccer League Championship Stories from July 24, 2018
- Nashville SC Returns Home to Get the Train Back on Track - Nashville SC
- FC Cincinnati to Celebrate MLS Berth Saturday with Special Programming - FC Cincinnati
- Match Preview: Atlanta United 2 vs Nashville SC - Atlanta United 2
- Fury FC Acquire Young Canadian Clement Bayiha - Ottawa Fury FC
- Energy FC Receive Forward Adam Jahn on Loan from Columbus Crew of MLS - OKC Energy FC
- San Antonio FC Hosts Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC in USL Game of the Week - San Antonio FC
- Rios Earns USL Team of the Week Honors - North Carolina FC
- Match Preview | Canadian Championship: Ottawa Fury FC vs. Toronto FC - Ottawa Fury FC
- USL's Week Ahead - July 25-29, 2018 - USL
- FCC's Lasso, Ledesma Earn Spots on USL Team of the Week - FC Cincinnati
- Marty Maybin Named to USL Team of the Week - Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
- Mueller Named to USL Team of the Week - Charleston Battery
- Attakora Makes USL Team of the Week - Ottawa Fury FC
- Tampa Bay's Flemmings Voted USL Player of the Week - USL
- San Antonio FC Midfielder Charlie Ward Named to USL Team of the Week - San Antonio FC
- Brad Estes to be Appointed Louisville City FC Team President - Louisville City FC
- Home Match against Bethlehem Moved to September 7 - Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
- Kickers Set to Make History in Friendly against Rcd Espanyol - Richmond Kickers
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.
