Spirited Second Half Not Enough as Fury Drop Season Opener in New York
April 3, 2016 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Ottawa Fury FC News Release
HEMPSTEAD, NY - Despite a great fighting spirit and several good scoring chances, Ottawa Fury FC opened its 2016 NASL season with a 3-0 loss in New York against the Cosmos on Sunday night.
Though it wasn't the start to the year Fury FC had hoped for, there were positives to be taken from the rematch of last year's NASL Championship Final, as neither side gave up much early as the game remained scoreless through 35 minutes.
"Being the first real game of the season, there were nerves from both teams, but the difference was that they managed to take advantage of their chances and we didn't," said Fury head coach Paul Dalglish. "At the end of the day it was the first game of the season, it's a tough place to come and play but we will learn a great deal from it going forward."
After both teams spent much of the first 20 minutes sizing each other up, defender Rafael Alves just missed giving Fury the lead with a header from the top of the box. In the 35th minute, Paulo Junior found himself alone in front of Jimmy Maurer following a great through ball from Gerardo Bruna, but the Cosmos' goalkeeper was able tosteer it away.
Moments later, the match swung in favour of the Cosmos as Venezuelan-born forward Juan Arango struck twice in quick succession with both goals coming on crosses from the right flank. Fury goalkeeper Romuald Peiser nearly prevented the second goal as the Frenchman got a piece of Sebastian Guenzatti's cross, but not enough of it to prevent the rebound. Peiser would made an outstanding save on Arango to keep the game at 2-0 heading into the second half.
Some tweaks made to the lineup by Dalglish at the break seemed to energize his Fury side in the second half as Ottawa looked to cut into New York's lead. Though Fury had more chances, the Cosmos would add some insurance in the 71st minute on a goal from Adam Moffat.
Fury FC are back in action next Saturday when they visit the Indy Eleven on April 9 with kick-off set for 7:30 p.m.
Single game tickets for the NASL Spring Season are available now by clicking here or calling 613.599.FANS. Interested in more than just single game tickets? Fans can buy their 2016 Fury FC season here and become part of a growing legion of fans that has helped make TD Place a fortress.
North American Soccer League Stories from April 3, 2016
- Cosmos Roll Past Fury 3-0 in Season Opener - New York Cosmos
- Spirited Second Half Not Enough as Fury Drop Season Opener in New York - Ottawa Fury FC
- Minnesota Strikes First But RailHawks Strike Back in Season Opener - Minnesota United FC
- Rayo OKC Standing Room Crowd, First beIN SPORTS Broadcast Highlight Season-Opening Night - NASL
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