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Posted by
Stuart Mactaggart,
October 5, 2014 |
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Stuart Mactaggart
On Twitter:
@FuryFanatic_Mac
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Ottawa Fury FC showed strong determination on Saturday evening as they earned a point on the road in Texas against the San Antonio Scorpions. An injury time goal from defender Ryan Richter secured the point for Ottawa as they continued their fine road form while playing their third game in seven days.
The Opening 45
Ottawa started the game off somewhat slow compared to their previous two matches, however they slowly worked their way into the match as the half progressed. San Antonio got the go ahead goal early on as they scored for the first time in the opening fifteen minutes this season. The goal came off a free kick that was able to bounce in the eighteen yard box and past Peiser, resulting in an ugly goal against for both the keeper and defense.
Tempers began to flare after the goal as four yellow cards were given out in the span of fifteen minutes, three to Fury players and one to San Antonio. Ottawa seems to prefer to play a very physical style football and show a lot of passion in their game, something that was very evident as the half went on. Peiser helped keep Fury in the game just before half time making some clinical saves.
The Second Half
Ottawa started to creep into the match in the second half as they slowly took control of the play and created several chances through Ubiparipovic. Dantas and Donatelli were introduced in the half and gave Fury the spark of creativity they were looking for. Jarun was taken off and replaced with Oliver with fifteen minutes left as Ottawa threw everyone forward to look for an equalizer. Despite Peiser having to come to the rescue on a few occasions, the second half was mostly Ottawa’s as it became clearer and clearer as the half went on that they were going to find a goal.
Just as Fury have done in several games this season, they were able to find a late injury time goal to help rescue a point and keep the playoff hope still alive, although very distant. Richter was able to put the ball into the back of the net following several point blank shots being saved by Scorpions keeper Saunders, giving Ottawa a well deserved point.
Although the playoff chase is all but over for Fury (with the club needing to win their remaining matches and hope for losses elsewhere) there is no doubt that Marc Dos Santos has the squad working incredibly hard every match as they look to finish as high in the standings as possible. There is no question that despite the loss to Minnesota and draw vs San Antonio this week, Ottawa have a very strong and determined squad that is capable of competing against any team in the NASL.
Man of the Match
Ryan Richter
Ryan Richter earned Man Of The Match honors through his 90th minute equalizer. However, he also played a terrific game start to finish as usual, providing experience and skill at the back, and keeping one of the NASL’s most offensive teams to just one goal at home.
Honorable Mention
Honorable mention should be given to Ubiparipovic, who created a lot of chances that just lacked a finishing touch.
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