NASL Ottawa Fury FC

Match Preview: Ottawa Carries 8-Match Road Unbeaten Streak into Carolina

September 25, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Ottawa Fury FC News Release


OTTAWA, ON (September 25, 2015) - It has been a September to remember for Ottawa Fury FC. Three massive wins, all away from up, setup the final match of the month that concludes an already impressive three-match road trip that has seen the second year club record big results with victories in Fort Lauderdale (2-0) and New York (4-1) to pad their lead atop the fall table.

Having already set an NASL record for consecutive road matches without a loss (8 ... and counting), Ottawa can tie an NASL record with a win Saturday night in Carolina which would be their sixth straight on the road. It will be no easy task against a RailHawks side that not only has Ottawa's number at WakeMed Park, but a team that could see the curtains come down on their postseason hopes if all three points are not secured.

"We know that we haven't achieved anything yet and that the road towards making the postseason is still difficult," said head coach Marc Dos Santos. "Our next game will be played in one of the toughest NASL stadiums against a very good team, so we will have to be mentally strong and prepared if we want to succeed."

Tuesday's 4-1 win over the Cosmos, statement game or not, surely has team's confidence flying high after picking up a pair of wins in 72 hours against two of the NASL's hottest teams - a fantastic start to a grueling three-game road trip.

Entering the home stretch of the regular season every game and every points matters. Perhaps no game is as important to the RailHawks as this one. Seven points back of fourth placed Tampa Bay with six games remaining, Carolina are faced with a must-win scenario if they have any hopes of keeping that fourth and final spot in The Championship within reach.

Despite just one win in their last ten matches, the RailHawks will have a healthy run at home to close out the season with four of their remaining six matches at WakeMed Soccer Park. With just two losses in eleven home games this season, the RailHawks continue to earn points at home and have taken both lifetime meetings again Fury FC in Carolina including a 3-1 win on the opening weekend of the season.

Putting together one of the most impressive runs in pro soccer, Fury FC have tasted defeat just once in their last 19 matches and are deserving the 'road warriors' moniker that has been bestowed upon them for their impressive play away from home. Winners of five straight on the road that includes their first-ever wins against San Antonio, Fort Lauderdale and New York, all in succession, and Ottawa is unbeaten on the road since May 2 (eight straight matches).

With offensive contributions coming from throughout the line-up supporting the top defensive squad in the league has Ottawa not just talking about achieving their goal of reaching the postseason, but chasing down the Fall Season Championship. With a five point lead of Minnesota with six matches remaining, Fury FC can inch closer to hosting a Championship Semifinal if they can pick up more points in the final match of this road trip.

While possible outcomes are being calculated by fans and media, Dos Santos suggests his team's key to success has been remaining humble. "You don't hear us talking about things too much or about the title. Our objective is making the playoffs and we need to keep working towards that goal."

Another key to the club's success in 2015 is how close this squad is. "This group has a collective attitude that is like none other," says Tom Heinemann who has played a major factor in their offensive success in the Fall Season with four goals and four assists.

Fury FC return to TD Place to prepare for another chapter in the All-Canadian derby facing FC Edmonton October 4th at 3pm. Tickets to this match and the final home match of the regular season (October 18) are available at OttawaFuryFC.com.

MATCH OFFICIALS:

Referee: Daniel Fitzgerald

Assistants: James Conlee and Tony Obas

Fourth Official: Matheu Dusty Baker



North American Soccer League Stories from September 25, 2015


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