Match Preview: Fury FC Look to Extend Unbeaten Streak in Minnesota
July 10, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Ottawa Fury FC News Release
OTTAWA, ON (July 10, 2015) - It was an ideal start to the NASL Fall Season for Marc Dos Santos' squad last Sunday as Ottawa Fury FC continued their impressive defensive form and ended their scoring woes with a 2-0 win over Jacksonville. The three points helped Fury FC climb the NASL standings where they now sit level on points with fourth place Minnesota - the very team they visit this weekend.
"We know that we are going through a good moment right now," said Head Coach Marc Dos Santos. "It is not easy in this league to go six games undefeated, but despite injuries we've fought to win every game and we go to Minnesota ready to fight for three points."
"Minnesota is a team built to win a championship, but we know some places that we can exploit and take advantage of and if we do that we will again put ourselves in a position to win the game."
While Ottawa might sport the League's best defensive record, Minnesota United boast a very impressive back line of their own anchored by centre backs Cristiano Dias and Tiago Calvano. Fury FC expect to have their defence tested to the max Saturday night with the likes Ibson, Kalif Alhassan, Pablo Campos and 2014 Golden Boot winner Christian Ramirez all thirsty to find the score sheet following last weekend's 3-1 defeat in Carolina.
Captain Richie Ryan returned to the line-up Sunday after missing most of the Spring Season due to injury and played the full 90 minutes for the first time since the end of last season. The skipper was very pleased with the team's performance and is confident heading into Minnesota.
"We are going to Minnesota after all three points," said Ryan. "We shouldn't fear anyone in the League. We've beaten them once already this season and I see no reason why we can't go and do it again."
Ottawa shutout Minnesota 1-0 on April 18 and while Minnesota only lost one of their first seven matches, they have since gone winless in their last four (0W-2D-2L) and have been outscored by an 8-5 margin.
Tom Heinemann, who scored the match-winner against Minnesota earlier this season, has scored twice in three games lifetime against the Loons since joining Fury FC.
"Last weekend was about the team winning and getting the three points and to do that in front of the home fans was great fun and hopefully those goals will press us on against Minnesota this weekend."
Heinemann and his teammates will gain support offensively against the Loons with last season's leading scorer Oliver returning from injury and mid-season acquisition Aly Hassan set to make his Fury FC debut.
With Nicki Paterson out for the season, the only other missing player from Dos Santos' squad is Canadian International Julian De Guzman who will miss the next few games as he captain's the Canadian Men's National Team at the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Ottawa will carry its NASL record shutout streak of six straight games and 616 consecutive minutes into Minnesota, but they know that they will again need to finish their chances in front of goal to come away with a second straight win.
Fury FC return home to TD Place for three games in the course of a week facing Indy Eleven (July 19), Atlanta Silverbacks (July 22) and the Carolina RailHawks (July 26). Fans are asked to bring a non-perishable food item or cash donation to the July 19th match for Purolator Tackle Hunger Weekend in support of the Ottawa Food Bank. Tickets to these and all Fall Season matches are available at OttawaFuryFC.com.
MATCH OFFICIALS:
Referee: Nima Saghafi
Assistants: Eric Bocan and Alexander Dalsin
Fourth Official: Bryce Bockin
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North American Soccer League Stories from July 10, 2015
- NASL Fall Season Action Rolls on with Full Slate of Saturday Matches - NASL
- Silverbacks Set for Fall Season Home Opener - Atlanta Silverbacks
- Indy Eleven Acquires Jamaican International Midfielder Dane Richards Via Loan from MLS' Red Bulls - Indy Eleven
- Preview: Silverbacks Host Armada for Match Day 13 - Atlanta Silverbacks
- Match Preview: Fury FC Look to Extend Unbeaten Streak in Minnesota - Ottawa Fury FC
- Minnesota United Return Home Seeking First Fall Win - Minnesota United FC
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