NASL Ottawa Fury FC

Match Preview: No Motivation Required for Fury FC in Home Opener

Published on April 17, 2015 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Ottawa Fury FC News Release


(Ottawa, ON) - It has been almost six months since Fury FC played at TD Place and when they kick-off their 2015 home calendar they will do so the same way they did the 2014 campaign - against Minnesota United FC.

The two sides played three spirited and entertaining games in 2014 that saw last year's regular season champs take victory on all three occasions; twice finding the match winner in stoppage time. Perhaps a rivalry in the making between two of the League's more northern clubs that is sure to add another entertaining chapter on Saturday.

"We don't need to motivate our players for a game like this one," said Marc Dos Santos ahead of his club's home opener. "Everyone is aware of the determination and commitment that is required if we want to succeed in front of our fans. Minnesota are the 2014 Regular Season champions, so we know that we will have to be at our best on Saturday afternoon. The support of our fans will be crucial and definitely a difference maker."

For the first time this season, Marc Dos Santos will have the unenviable task of picking his Starting XI with, at long last, a healthy squad. The only blemish in his squad is midfielder Phil Davies who is expected to miss the better part of the Spring Season with a broken arm. Captain Richie Ryan, midfielder Sinisa Ubiparipovic and forward Paulo Junior are all fit to play and veteran midfielder and Canadian International Julian De Guzman will return from suspension and is expected to make his home debut.

Nicki Paterson made the most of his season debut scoring the opening goal in Atlanta and goalkeeper Romuald Peiser made a handful of timely saves to help Fury FC collect their first point of the 2015 season with a 1-1 draw against the Silverbacks. Dos Santos and his players now look to build on the point and with the squad return to full health, the confidence and excitements for

Saturday's home opener was evident at training all week.

Minnesota finished the 2014 season as the NASL Regular Season Champions, but were unable to repeat that success in the postseason. After a bye-week in Week 1 of NASL action, the Loons opened their 2015 season last Saturday in Tampa Bay and were held to a scoreless draw.

Boasting one of the top back lines in the NASL, Minnesota United focused a lot of their off-season attention on bolstering their depth in midfield. With US International Miguel Ibarra serving as their midfield engine last season, the Loons added experienced Brazilian midfielder Ibson, Kalif Alhassan from the Portland Timers and Northern Ireland International Jonny Steele. With an already impressive attack led by the NASL's 2014 Golden Boot winner Christian Ramirez and 2012 Golden Boot winner Pablo Campos, Minnesota's attacking ability could prove to be just as effective as their impressive defence.

The first leg of the Amway Canadian Championship's preliminary round kicks off Wednesday night at 7:30pm (April 22) at TD Place as Fury FC tackle FC Edmonton. Ottawa returns to NASL action April 25 hosting the Fort Lauderdale Strikers at 3:00pm. Tickets available at OttawaFuryFC.com.

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North American Soccer League Stories from April 17, 2015


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