Match Preview: Fury FC Look for Inspired Performance against League-Leading New York
May 1, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Ottawa Fury FC News Release
OTTAWA, ON (May 1, 2015) - It has been a harsh 10 days for Ottawa Fury FC. After putting the NASL on notice with a 1-0 win in their home opener over Minnesota United FC, the second-year club has lost its mojo suffering three straight 3-1 losses that resulted in their elimination from the Amway Canadian Championship. As they hit the midway point of the NASL Spring Season this Saturday, Fury FC head to New York to face the league-leading Cosmos.
"This has been a very difficult week for us," said Head Coach Marc Dos Santos. "We are all very motivated to start turning things around. We can't focus on the win yet, but on the way we will do that. The Cosmos are a top team in the NASL, so it will take a top performance from us. "
On the positive side, Fury FC has scored in every game this season and while the score line in their last three games might suggest otherwise, Ottawa has out-shot, out-chanced and out-possessed their opposition during their winless run. Paulo Junior and Rafael Alves have both impressed at their respective ends of the pitch - in fact Alves has made his mark at both ends as the Brazilian defender scored against his former team last Saturday.
Fury FC head to the Big Apple trailing the league-leaders by four points and while the Cosmos have arguably the most impressive squad on paper, Saturday's match will take place on foreign soil for both teams as the Cosmos will host Fury FC at MCU Park in Brooklyn. Home to the minor league Brooklyn Cyclones, affiliate of the New York Mets, MCU Park will be converted from a baseball stadium to accommodate a weekend of soccer. While the Cosmos will have the 'fan' advantage, the 'field' is unlikely to benefit either club on the day.
Leo Fernandes leads the way offensively for the Cosmos thus far this season scoring two of the club's four goals and midfielder Walter Restrepo has setup three of the four. With a midfield that includes the likes of Marcos Senna, Adam Moffat and Andres Flores and a strike force that looks to Spanish legend Raul and Mads Stokkelien Ottawa's defence will need to find the same form it show in their home-opening win over Minnesota if they hope to earn their first-ever point(s) against the Cosmos.
Ottawa will continue to be without Captain Richie Ryan who is nearing a return. Phil Davies has returned to training after suffering a broken arm during the pre-season, but his return is not expected until the Fall Season. Defender Mike Randolph, who was sidelined after last Saturday's match against Fort Lauderdale will not make the trip to New York with a leg injury.
After missing the last two matches behind the bench, Marc Dos Santos returns to his post and will need utilize the depth of his squad with Saturday's match marking the club's fourth match in 11 days.
MATCH OFFICIALS:
Referee: Jaime Herrera
Assistants: Danny Thornberry and Joseph Zawistowski
Fourth Official: Dave Breckner
Fury FC return to TD Place for a three game home stand that begins on May 9 against the Tampa Rowdies (3PM) followed by their bye-week on May 16/17. Ottawa will then host Indy Eleven (May 23) and FC Edmonton (May 29) to close out their Spring Season home schedule. Tickets available at OttawaFuryFC.com.
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North American Soccer League Stories from May 1, 2015
- Match Preview: Fury FC Look for Inspired Performance against League-Leading New York - Ottawa Fury FC
- Community First Park, MCU Park Host First NASL Matches as Spring Season Rolls On - NASL
- Match Preview: Carolina RailHawks Host Tampa Bay Rowdies - North Carolina FC
- Atlanta Travels to Strikers for Match Day 5 - Atlanta Silverbacks
- Capital Area RailHawks Academy U-18 Player Matthew Gianfortone Signs Amateur Contract - North Carolina FC
- Silverbacks, Soccer in the Streets Team Up - Atlanta Silverbacks
- Cosmos Goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer Named NASL Player of the Month - NASL
- FCE Match Preview & Press Notes: vs Minnesota United FC (May 3, 2015) - FC Edmonton
- Rowdies Hire USL Founder Francisco Marcos to Lead International Development Effort - Tampa Bay Rowdies
- Armada FC Signs Canadian Prodigy Chaim Roserie - Jacksonville Armada FC
- Armada FC Hosts Defending NASL Champion San Antonio this Saturday at Community First Park - Jacksonville Armada FC
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