Match Preview | Ottawa Fury FC V Bethlehem Steel FC
Published on September 29, 2018 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Ottawa Fury FC News Release
OTTAWA - Ottawa Fury FC return home for their last two matches of the season, and there could not be more important games to be played. While some may be pressing them, Fury FC are in control of their fate and know full well that a win on Sunday afternoon against sixth-place Bethlehem Steel FC would move them a long way towards securing a playoff spot.
Strong from a mid-week efficient win in Toronto, a 14th shutout this season for the club and goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau, Fury FC will look to produce another complete, structured performance from kickoff to the final whistle and take the three points.
It will be the third time the two sides meet this season, with each grabbing the win at home. Back in May, Kevin Oliveira had scored a lightning-fast goal in the first minute of play to give Ottawa the lead, and win. Just over a month ago, Bethlehem returned the favour when Fury FC visited Goodman Stadium.
To make things even more exciting, both clubs are still fighting for their chance to appear in the 2018 USL playoff, with Bethlehem currently sitting only one point above Ottawa in the standings. A win for Fury FC would reverse the rankings and breathe in more life in their post-season quest.
Ready or not, the sides will be going at it, jumping on the pitch in the crisp autumn air on Sunday afternoon, with kickoff set for 1 p.m. Fans are encouraged to don their team's colour and join us at TD Place to cheer on Fury FC towards a second playoff participation in club history.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING
Head Coach Nikola Popovic
On keeping the team focused on the task... "We have to be very focused in our performance, avoid all the distractions as they come - there is a lot of talk about playoffs, the points - I think all of this has to be blocked because they will lead us on a path we don't want to go on. We have to control our performance, and give our best; if we give our best in this game, we will have a very good chance."
On the opponent..."It's a team that is very fast, a team that has a very good block of defence, they will defend very well and then use the speed of their three front players. They are always a difficult opponent. But we have a fair chance."
Forward Carl Haworth
On the team's focus... "This is what we worked eight months for. And then in the off-season all the extra workouts that you do... it's for moments like this. We've worked really hard to put ourselves in this position, it's a favourable position at this point, we have the points on the table - yes there are some teams with games in hands but they still have to win those games - so we feel like the ball is in our court and we control our own destiny. Two massive games coming up here, especially this one on Sunday, that's our season right there on the line and that's why we do this."
On his message to fans..."We need you more than ever at this point, so thanks to everyone that has been with us this season, and since the start - it's been a tough few years not making the playoffs - and we love the support. They can be our twelfth man on Sunday and help us over the line."
Goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau
On the new USL single-season shutout record..."It feels nice, it feels great. As I said before, it's a full team effort, yes the goalkeeper gets the credit but defensively it was a strong collective execution. It's not over. We still have two games left - with Pickens in Nashville at 13 with four games to play so he too could get that record - but my objective is to go get two more to end up with 16... but it starts this Sunday."
"Our season is being played on the next two games. It will be played one 45-minute at a time. We can't afford any mistakes like we might have made earlier in the season. The margin for error is gone. In Toronto we did well, we won. We're not fooling ourselves, at this point, the way it happens doesn't matter, it's all about the result. It's crunch time. When you get in playoffs, you want to have momentum, and with momentum, you can get far. Once you get in the playoffs, it's a new game, a brand new start, anything can happen."
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Farbuzui STASOLLA
Assistants: Phil BRIÃRE & Stéphanie FORTIN
Fourth Official: Pierre-Luc LAUZIÃRE
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