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USL Ottawa Fury FC

Match Preview | Ottawa Fury FC V Louisville City

July 27, 2018 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Ottawa Fury FC News Release


OTTAWA - Ottawa Fury FC will look to boost their record at home when they take on Louisville City FC this weekend at TD Place. In the 10 USL games that they have played at home so far this season, Fury FC have been unbeaten in seven of them. They have won two out of their last three games, including the memorable 2-0 win over Nashville SC last weekend.

Fury FC are coming off a 3-0 loss to Toronto FC in the second leg of the Canadian Championship semi-final. The Ottawa side took the fight to their famed MLS opponents but lost the semi-final tie 4-0 on aggregate. Despite the loss, Fury FC will be able to draw inspiration from their strong performance in this two-legged tie.

Also boosting their confidence will be their recent USL results that have seen Fury FC catapult themselves into playoff contention in the Eastern Conference. They have won three out of their last four games and are in a strong position during this second half of the season.

Fury FC have been steadily climbing up the charts. It's been a collective effort by the team that's had a new coach and a new style of play this season. Goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau is the joint-leader in the USL clean sheets category with nine shutouts. Up front, the Cape Verdean duo of Steevan Dos Santos and Kevin Oliveira are top scorers for Fury FC with four goals apiece. It's this all-round performance and the belief in the system that's helping Fury FC forge ahead.

Fury FC will need to put in another strong performance against Louisville City FC this weekend. They are coming off a 4-1 win over Charlotte Independence. They are currently fourth in the Eastern Conference with five points separating them from Fury FC in eighth. The key player for Louisville is striker Cameron Lancaster who has scored 10 goals this season.

This is the third meeting between these two sides; the first of two this season. Fury FC have a 1D-1L record against Louisville.

Fury FC will look to another strong fan support as they face the 2017 USL Cup Champions on what is also labeled Dog Day at TD Place. Fans can enjoy an entertaining soccer match-up with their favourite furry four-legged friends. Tickets, starting at only $15, are still available on OttawaFuryFC.com.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING

Head Coach Nikola Popovic

"Since the beginning, we said we would fight to get to the playoffs. It's a very difficult fight, there are a lot of teams that are very good, fighting against us, and there are only eight spots. At this moment, we are in a playoff spot, but it doesn't mean anything. It will be decided in the last five games, in my opinion. So we have to come in to the last five games very strong [in good position]."

"I think it [Louisville] is a very very strong team. We know that last year they were one of the best teams, considering they won the 2017 USL Cup, they were very strong. And this year nothing is going to be different. Most of the best players are still there so I think it will be a very difficult opponent for us to play."

Midfielder Jamar Dixon

"From the first half of the season, we showed a lot of character. We are on an upward trajectory right now so we just have to keep going. Now we're in a playoff spot and we have to keep going for the top, that's the next goal. We want to get a home game for playoffs. Obviously first we want to BE in the playoffs, but that's what we're striving for now. There's a lot of great character in the room, it's a positive vibe amongst everyone, and we just have to keep going."

"We're extremely confident. It's more of a team belief at this point. Everyone's on the same page. Everyone wants the same thing. And we're just working hard together to reach those goals. It's just a matter of being patient, continuing to work hard, follow the tactics, support each other and we'll get the results."

Defender Jérémy Gagnon-Laparé

On how he can fit in the Fury team he recently joined... "I think I can bring some composure on the ball, help the team stay in possession, and then defensively as a team try to be as organized as we can. There are still details that we are working on, I'm still just getting started here, so I want to keep getting to know my teammates better, and make the adjustments I need to so I can be better."

"I think we have to stay focused on the game plan. Not try to do things we're not good at. We have to stay compact defensively, and offensively be able to keep the ball but also be able to go quick in transition and get them on the counter. Staying serious, being focused on the game plan, and bring that passion and I think we'll be good for the end of the season."

MATCH OFFICIALS

Referee: Fabrizio STASOLLA

Assistants: Philippe BETTEZ QUESSY & Andre PICKLER

Fourth Official: Pierre-Luc LAUZIÈRE

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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.

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