NASL Ottawa Fury FC

Match Preview: Fury FC Put First Place and Unbeaten Streak on the Line against Carolina

July 24, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Ottawa Fury FC News Release


OTTAWA, ON (July 24, 2015) - The hunters have become the hunted. Riding a 9-game unbeaten streak, Fury FC have climbed to top spot in the NASL Fall Season standings and fourth in the combined standings marking the first time in club history that Ottawa has held down a potential spot in the post-season.

"We prepare the same for every game with the goal of coming out with three points," said Captain Richie Ryan whose health has been a contributing factor to the club's impressive start to the Fall Season. The Irish skipper has three goals in his last two games.

"This is a top of the table clash which is a sign of how together our group is. We're top of the table for now, but we have to take it one game at a time, try and win every game and that will take us to where we want to be at the end of the season."

Standing in the way of Fury FC extending their unbeaten streak to an even ten games, is one of the most consistent teams in the NASL according to Head Coach Marc Dos Santos. With just one loss in their last 8 games (4W-3D-1L) the RailHawks, like Fury FC, have climbed the NASL standings currently holding down a post-season spot in the combined standings (3rd) as New York, Carolina and Ottawa all sit on 21 points with goal difference playing a key factor in the seeding of each side.

The RailHawks boast the League's second best offence led by former Rangers FC striker and reigning NASL Player of the Week Nacho Novo who netted a pair of goals and an assist in last weekend's 3-2 win over San Antonio. Novo is supported by speedster Tiyi Shipalane and veteran midfielder Neil Hlavaty who each have 4 goals to their credit this season.

So much has been going right for Fury FC to start the NASL Fall Season. Nine goals in the first four games after scoring just five goals in the 10-game Spring Season. The defence remains solid and their play at TD Place has been very impressive. Head Coach Marc Dos Santos is confident in his team's abilities, but stressed the need for them to remain humble.

"Carolina is one of the best and most consistent teams in the NASL. Our team is in a good moment, but we know we need to stay humble and keep working to the best of our ability. We have the quality to beat any team in the League when we are at our best and we will definitely have to be at our best on Sunday."

Unbeaten in their last six at home (4W-2D-0L) TD Place has proven to be a fortress for Fury FC this season. Having won six points already in this three game home stand, Ottawa can do themselves a huge favour taking another three points Sunday afternoon before the team heads out on the road facing Canadian rivals Edmonton next weekend and Indy Eleven the weekend after.

"TD Place is our home. We're very comfortable here and the guys love playing here," said Tom Heinemann on the team's success at home. "The atmosphere is the best in the League and it is great to see the people in Ottawa starting to take a peek at who the Ottawa Fury really are."

Fury FC travel to Alberta next weekend to take on FC Edmonton in Fort McMurray on August 2 before traveling to Indianapolis to tackle Indy Eleven on August 8. Ottawa returns home for another three game home stand to close out the month of August facing Minnesota (August 15), New York (August 26) and Tampa Bay (August 29). Tickets to these and all Fall Season matches are available at OttawaFuryFC.com.

MATCH OFFICIALS:

Referee: Geoff Gamble

Assistants: John Gray and Christian Palavicino

Fourth Official: Pierre-Luc Lauziere



North American Soccer League Stories from July 24, 2015


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