NASL Ottawa Fury FC

Unbeatable Haworth's Last Gasp Winner Sends Fury FC Atop NASL Standings

July 26, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Ottawa Fury FC News Release


OTTAWA, ON (July 26, 2015) - In an unforgettable finish, Ottawa Fury FC defeated the Carolina RailHawks 2-1 at TD Place on Sunday afternoon to move into first overall in the NASL Combined standings for the first time in club history. Carl Haworth played hero with a dramatic stoppage-time winner and Aly Alberto Hassan scored his first goal for Fury FC in his first start with the club.

"I'm just going to say one thing ... I coach a bunch of warriors," said Ottawa Fury FC head coach Marc Dos Santos after the club's historic victory.

Following Wednesday night's 2-1 victory over the Atlanta Silverbacks, Ottawa Fury FC moved into first place in the Fall Season standings for the first time and had the opportunity to move into first in the entire NASL with a win against a burgeoning Carolina RailHawks team. On Sunday, Ottawa did just that - with full contributions from all positions on the pitch.

Fury FC controlled the pace early in the contest and pushed the ball around confidently through the first 15 minutes.

In the 20th minute, Fury forward Aly Alberto Hassan introduced himself to the Fury FC faithful in the best possible way with his first goal as a member of the club in his first start for Ottawa. After a beautiful cross from forward Paulo Junior, Hassan made no mistake heading the ball into the back of the net beyond the outstretched arms of RailHawks goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald

Former Rangers great Nacho Novo was the key offensive threat on the day for Carolina. His first opportunity came in the 29th minute off a free-kick from close range, but Fury FC goalkeeper Romuald Peiser made a brilliant diving stop on the reigning NASL Player of the Week.

Peiser continued his dominance in the net with a huge save just before the end of the first half on another close-range attempt by Novo. With his save, Peiser solidified Ottawa's 1-0 lead going into the half.

In the second half, Ottawa's rejuvenated offence continued to buzz for more chances pressing the RailHawks defence. The game would take a major change in the 56th minute when midfielder Wells Thompson picked up a pair of yellow cards for seperate fouls on Carl Haworth and was show red giving the home side a man advantage for the duration of the match.

Playing with 10-men, Carolina was forced to look for offence solely on the counter-attack as Fury FC held most of the possession. In the 77th minute Carl Haworth came found space down the right side of the pitch be his powerful low shot was stop by Fitzgerald who was kept busy in the second half.

In the 80th minute, Carolina found a way to break through Ottawa's defence as Nacho Novo was sprung on a great ball from Simone Bracalello and beat Peiser low despite a great effort from the Ottawa keeper.

Five minutes later, Ottawa tried to regain the lead as Haworth and defender Rafael Alves combined for a great chance that saw Alves' header hit the crossbar. Fury FC captain Ryan also had a great right-footed shot from about 30-yards out, but Fitzgerald was there to make the save. Sooner or later, it seemed, the ball was bound to go in.

And it did! Fury FC defender Ryan Richter sent a cross into the Carolina box and Haworth was there to pot the ball into the net in the dying seconds to give Fury FC the win and solidify their place atop the NASL standings.

"That [goal] has got to be number one for me. The atmosphere once that went in was electric, so it was nice," said Haworth after scoring the game-winning tally.

With the victory, Fury FC collected all available points in their three-game home stand and sit atop the combine NASL standings, two points clear of the New York Cosmos who have two games in hand. With Edmonton falling to Atlanta this afternoon, Ottawa built up a five-point lead in the NASL Fall standings. The club also extended their unbeaten streak to an incredible ten games.

Fury FC hit the road to take on FC Edmonton in Fort McMurray on August 2 before heading to Indianapolis to tackle Indy Eleven on August 8. Ottawa returns home for another three-game home stand to close out August against Minnesota (August 15), New York (August 26) and Tampa Bay (August 29). Tickets to these and all Fall Season matches are available here or by calling 613-232-6767 ext. 1.



North American Soccer League Stories from July 26, 2015


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