Match Preview: Fury FC Players Carry Belief into Edmonton That They Can Overcome 3-1 Deficit
April 28, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Ottawa Fury FC News Release
OTTAWA, ON (April 28, 2015) - Just score! While their objective is clear, achieving this feat is anything but simple. Score and score often is what is needed from Fury FC who find themselves trailing their Canadian-NASL rivals 3-1 following the first leg of the Amway Canadian Championship last Wednesday in Ottawa.
"With every difficult moment comes a great opportunity," said Head Coach Marc Dos Santos who believes his players have the right mentality to mount such a comeback in Edmonton.
"We know it is hard to score three goals in Edmonton, but we also know it is possible. We are going to play this game with great belief and commitment. Everyone in this locker room wants to achieve something big."
After Brazilian striker Oliver opened the scoring in last Wednesday's first leg, the second fastest goal in Amway Canadian Championship history (65 seconds), Ottawa dictate the pace of the for the first hour. After Romuald Peiser denied Lance Laing on a penalty, Fury FC seemed destined to claim victory, but three goals in the closing thirteen minutes saw Edmonton do the unthinkable leaving Ottawa heading to Edmonton looking to do that very same thing.
Wednesday's defeat hurt, a lot ... And Saturday's defeat, by the same 3-1 score line, was very frustrating. Statistically, Fury FC are doing everything right. They have scored in every game, owned over 50% possession in four of their first five games this season (NASL and Canadian Championship), they have outshot the opposition 63-39 (shots on and off target) and have had 27 corner kicks versus 11 by their opposition.
The early analysis of Fury FC has media touting them as a much improved box-to-box team from their inaugural season. It is their work inside the 18-yard box at both ends of the pitch that has raised criticism. The chances are there, but that coveted second goal has eluded them in their first five games, but in order to advance to the semifinals and a home and away date with the Vancouver Whitecaps, Fury FC will need to exercise that demon and then some.
Back to the task at hand. Score and score often. Fury FC need to score at least three goals. How great their offensive output needs to be depends on the amount of goals they surrender. The stronger the defence, the less onerous the task the Fury offense faces which is already a challenging one.
After missing Saturday's match due to a passing in his family, Fury FC will again go to battle without head coach Marc Dos Santos who serves a one-match suspension after receiving a red card following his on-field conversation with the officials following last Wednesday's match.
"It's never good to be out for a game," said Dos Santos. "I just wanted to defend our group and the Club. We have to stand for what we believe in, but I should have been more careful."
In addition to having Dos Santos absent, Ottawa remain without their captain Richie Ryan who is nearing a return. They are also without Phil Davies (arm) and defender Mike Randolph and forward Oliver who both pulled up injured following Saturday's match.
MATCH OFFICIALS:
Referee: Drew Fischer
Assistants: Marco Arruda and Richard Gamache
Fourth Official: David Gantar
Ottawa will head to Brooklyn to face the league-leading New York Cosmos on May 2. Fury FC returns to TD Place on May 9 when the Tampa Bay Rowdies come to town. Tickets available at OttawaFuryFC.com.
North American Soccer League Stories from April 28, 2015
- Match Preview: Fury FC Players Carry Belief into Edmonton That They Can Overcome 3-1 Deficit - Ottawa Fury FC
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- ACC Match Preview & Press Notes: vs Ottawa Fury FC (April 29, 2015) - FC Edmonton
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