Match Preview: Fury FC and Cosmos Meet in Potential Soccer Bowl Preview Wednesday Night at TD Place
August 25, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Ottawa Fury FC News Release
OTTAWA, ON (August 25, 2015) - When Ottawa and New York last met, Fury FC had won just once in their first five matches and the Cosmos handed them their third loss of the season and their fourth in a row counting their two Amway Canadian Championship defeats to FC Edmonton. Perhaps the Cosmos also handed Ottawa a wake-up call because since that time Fury FC own the League's best record.
"In the last ten games of the season these have been the best two teams, so we expect a very big challenge," said head coach Marc Dos Santos. "These types of matches require a lot of concentration and determination to succeed. It's the type of game that we need everyone to be at their best."
"We know the problems the Cosmos could create and we are also aware of the qualities we have and how we could surprise them. This should be a great game!"
The reputation of the New York Cosmos continues to live on and that is evident in their roster - lead by the like of Spanish legend Raul, the Cosmos boast a squad with offensive punch, sound defence and depth at every position.
Following a win-less skid of four games stretching back to the Spring Season, the Cosmos have since caught fire. Unbeaten in their last 6 boasting a formidable offence and one of the best defensive records in the league. Raul is a key player to watch, but midfielder Leo Fernandes must not be overlooked - he leads the team in scoring.
Taking nothing away from their opposition, what Fury FC might lack in 'cache' they have in work ethic and determination. With 16 of their 22 goals coming in the second half, the fitness level of Ottawa players has proven vital to their success. Building a halftime lead over their opposition also proves to be a tremendous advantage for Fury FC as the club has yet to lose a game in their brief history when leading through the opening 45 minutes.
"These are two massive games coming up," said captain Richie Ryan as his squad readies for a mid-week tilt against the Cosmos before facing the Tampa Bay Rowdies 72-hours later.
"Anybody that watches our league knows that New York are a very strong and talented team. To get the positive result we want, we need to be in top form," Ryan added. "We're not afraid of anyone in this league. We are in the top of the table as well and we believe this is where we should be and Wednesday night is another opportunity to prove that against another top team."
Scoring the second-most goals in the Fall Season and owning the league's best defensive record, Fury FC have had contributions from different players each match during their impressive 12-game unbeaten streak and scorching start to the Fall campaign.
Midfielder Sinisa Ubiparipovic and forward Andrew Wiedeman who have been on hot-streaks of late are both questionable for the mid-week encounter at TD Place. Canadian International Julian De Guzman is close to returning, but will not feature against the Cosmos.
Despite their recent loss at home, their first since April, Fury FC are 6-2-2 at TD Place and are expecting another strong crowd as the Fury Faithful look to send their team to victory in a match that is available world-wide from the various broadcast platforms that include Rogers TV (local), ESPN3 and One World Sports.
Fury FC close out their three-game homestand against the Tampa Bay Rowdies Saturday at 7pm. Tickets to this and all remaining Fall Season matches are available at OttawaFuryFC.com.
MATCH OFFICIALS:
Referee: Chris Grabas
Assistants: John Gray and Jean-Francois Marchand
Fourth Official: Robert Schapp
North American Soccer League Stories from August 25, 2015
- Match Preview: Fury FC and Cosmos Meet in Potential Soccer Bowl Preview Wednesday Night at TD Place - Ottawa Fury FC
- New York and Ottawa Meet in Top-Of-The-Table Clash on Wednesday Night - NASL
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