Match Preview | Ottawa Fury FC at Pittsburgh Riverhounds FC
April 13, 2018 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Ottawa Fury FC News Release
OTTAWA - Ottawa Fury FC will play their third consecutive away game when they take on Pittsburgh Riverhounds this weekend. Fury FC have played two games so far and the results haven't gone their way. A bye-week, a postponed game and a new style of play have meant that the Fury players have been a bit unsettled. They will be looking at this game against the Hounds to showcase their true potential and get a positive result under their belt ahead of their home opener the week after.
They will have to get past a defensively solid Pittsburgh unit. The Hounds are on a three-game unbeaten run and are one of the only two teams in the USL to not have conceded a goal so far this season. They shared points in their first two games and then grabbed their first win this season with a 4-0 win over Toronto FC II. Neco Brett scored a hat trick in that game.
In their last game against Tampa Bay Rowdies, Fury FC put on a solid show in the first half but mistakes crept into their game in the second half that proved to be too costly. Despite the big loss, there were a few positives for the team. They had only 40 per cent of the possession but still managed to have nine shots on goal. In comparison, in the first game against Charlotte Independence, despite enjoying 60 per cent of the possession, Fury FC had just one shot on goal. Fury FC head coach Nikola Popovic believes that the team is showing improvement but wants more consistency from his players.
This is only the third meeting between these two sides with the Hounds having won the first-ever meeting between the two and the second one ending in a draw. Both these games were low scoring affairs and the Fury FC attack line will have to come up with something special to break down the Pittsburgh defense that hasn't conceded a single goal this season. They have an unbeaten start to the season under their new Head Coach Bob Lilley and Fury FC will be keen to break that run this weekend.
Following this weekend's match, Fury FC will make a long awaited return home for its Home Opener at TD Place on Saturday, April 21 (2:00 pm kickoff). Ottawa will be sporting their brand new stripes for the occasion.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING
Head Coach Nikola Popovic "It's a very important test for us, to see how we will react after our result in the previous game. It's an important moment for us, to see how the players will show what they are capable of. What we need is consistency. We cannot alternate between the good and the not-so good. We have to find stability in our game and then perform consistently at a good level."
"We were able to create much more chances than in our first game. We are getting better but of course somebody has to put the ball inside the net. And we are expecting to start doing this."
About the opposition... "They are one of the teams who will have better performances defensively through the season. It's difficult to beat their defense but I think if we are able to play a consistent game, we can come away with a good result."
Midfielder Cristian Portilla "We are confident because we are a really good team. The last two games were horrible but it's only six points. If we win two in a row we can be in a good position, so we are confident. We will go to Pittsburgh to win and after that do well in the home opener against North Carolina."
Forward Tony Taylor "We are very focused on this game. We need to bounce back after the last results. We need to make a statement in this game. We are working hard and giving everything we have to get the win."
On breaking down the tough Pittsburgh defense... "This week we have been working hard on winning the second balls, being very intense and when we get the ball play our game and look to score goals."
MATCH OFFICIALS Referee: Lorant Varga Assistants: Adrienne McDonald and Kerven Moon Fourth Official: Paul Deverse
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