Match Preview: All-Canadian Rivalry Heats up at TD Place Between Ottawa and Edmonton
October 2, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Ottawa Fury FC News Release
OTTAWA, ON (October 2, 2015) - On to the next one ... and what a big 'next one' it is. Ottawa took the NASL by storm last week reeling off three straight road wins in the course of eight days. The nine-point road sweep padded the Fury FC lead atop the Fall Season table and vaulted Ottawa to the pole position in the NASL Combined standings with five games remaining.
That 'next' game is a big one. Not just because it could help Ottawa clinch a spot in the postseason and not just because it could help inch the Fury closer to the right to host the semifinals. It is a big one because next up is the Canadian rivals from Edmonton who, as of last Sunday, occupy the fourth and final postseason position. In fact, the last time these two sets met on August 2, Ottawa was sitting first overall while Edmonton was seeded fourth.
Sunday's all-Canadian derby will mark the tenth time these two sides have squared off in the last two seasons that also include some spirited matches in the Amway Canadian Championship. If the regular season ended today, Ottawa and Edmonton would meet in the semifinals.
"It's great to see two Canadian Teams in the top four spots in the NASL. We respect FC Edmonton and we are very aware of the qualities they have," said head coach Marc Dos Santos ahead of Sunday's match.
After a tumultuous Spring Season where the Eddies once trusty defence struggled, Colin Miller's side has righted the ship in their own end. Next to Ottawa, FC Edmonton sport the best defensive record in the Fall Season. Edmonton have won three straight and are unbeaten in their last four matches where they have surrendered just a single goal. Coming off a confidence-building 2-1 win over New York last Sunday, FC Edmonton proved that they will be fighting for the final postseason position.
The question begging for some is what will Fury FC do for an encore? For Dos Santos and his squad is was a big moment for the club, but it is in the past.
"What we did in our recent games in now in the past and we are fully focused on the last five games of the season. We know this game will be a challenge and we are ready for it."
Forwards Tom Heinemann and Paulo Junior are playing their best soccer of the season. Veteran midfielder Sinisa Ubiparipovic has been a driving force for Ottawa's offence through the midfield.
The captain Richie Ryan ... he's been The Captain! The back four remains a frustrating task for opposing strikers to contend with and Romuald Peiser continues to come up with clutch saves time and time again.
A group of players that stared adversity in the face early in the season, is now a cohesive unit that attacks and defends as one.
Ottawa is unbeaten in their last seven match (4W-3D-0L), Fury FC have lost just once in their last 20 matches (11W-8D-1L) - an impressive feat in any sport. The recipe to their success includes one part consistency (a back line and goalkeeper that has been unchanged during the run) and a heavy dose of humbleness. The squad plays for one another and despite their resounding success, the players have remained humble, maintaining a focused mentality on the next match ... and the next match alone.
After Sunday's derby, Ottawa will spend the week preparing for a trip down south and a meeting against the Tampa Bay Rowdies Saturday night. Fury FC return to TD Place for their final home match of the regular season October 18 at 3:00pm against the San Antonio Scorpions. Tickets for that match are available at OttawaFuryFC.com.
MATCH OFFICIALS:
Referee: David Barrie
Assistants: Marie-Josee Charbonneau and Suzanne Morisset
Fourth Official: Lyes Arfa
• Discuss this story on the North American Soccer League message board...
North American Soccer League Stories from October 2, 2015
- FCE Match Preview vs. Ottawa Fury FC - FC Edmonton
- Canadian Rivalry Continues; the Race for the Championship Enters Home Stretch - NASL
- Match Preview: All-Canadian Rivalry Heats up at TD Place Between Ottawa and Edmonton - Ottawa Fury FC
- Loons Look to Defend Home Field in Final Stretch - Minnesota United FC
- Match Notes: San Antonio Scorpions vs Fort Lauderdale Strikers: October 3, 2015 - San Antonio Scorpions
- Silverbacks Surge into Empire State to Face Cosmos - Atlanta Silverbacks
- Jaime Frias Goal Earns Indy Eleven Precious Road Point - Indy Eleven
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.
