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Posted by
Stuart Mactaggart,
May 31, 2015 |
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Stuart Mactaggart
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@FuryFanatic_Mac
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Ottawa Fury drew FC Edmonton 0-0 on Friday evening in Fury’s last home game of the spring season. Ottawa recorded their fifth point and third straight clean sheet in their last three consecutive matches; however they are still struggling to find goals. Following three 3-1 losses in a row earlier this year, the Ottawa Fury defense of Richter, Alves, Falvey and Trafford has helped earn points recently despite the team being unable to score. FC Edmonton have been offensively strong and defensively weak this season, with 15 goals for and 17 against, but with the absence of injured Ameobi up front, Edmonton failed to put the ball past Fury keeper Pesier.
Ottawa Fury were missing captain Richie Ryan as well as forward Tom Heinemann, while long term injures Oliver and Davies will miss the remaining of the Spring Season. Haworth once again started up front, as Wiedeman began the game on the bench; while Poltronieri and Paulo Jr started on the wings. Nicki Paterson, winner of NASL Play of the Week last week, returned to the stating eleven for Ottawa alongside midfielders De Guzman and Ubiparipovic. Mason Trafford, who was named to the NASL Team of The Week alongside Paterson, started in defense alongside Falvey, Alves and Richter, while Peiser started in goal.
FC Edmonton were without leading scorer Tomi Ameobi, while Eddie Edwards made the trip to his hometown, but following a knock last weekend he failed to make the starting eleven. Nyassi and Laing started on the wings, while Jonke started up front. Fordyce, Raudales and Jones formed the midfield while Moses, Roberts, Watson and Zebie made up the defense. John Smits was starting keeper for FC Edmonton, leaving VanOekel to start on the bench.
The Opening 45
FC Edmonton created several chances early on, while Ottawa Fury looked to try and control the play and work the ball around. Nyassi picked up a Zebie pass just inside the box and sent a cross into Ritchie Jones, but Peiser made the stop and Fury were able to clear the ball. Jonke was able to connect with a long clearance pass and looked to be in with a scoring chance; however Alves made a clinical sliding tackle to deny the Canadian a scoring chance. Minutes later, Jonke would find himself unmarked just inside the box, however low drive was kicked away by the Fury keeper. Fury had a good portion of possession and several shots off target in the first half, however they failed to created any solid chances or force Smits to make a save.
The Second Half
Fury started the second half very strong, creating several chances off the bat. A wonderful Ryan Richter cross perfectly set up Poltronieri, however his header lacked the pace to properly test Smits, who made an easy save. Carl Haworth had a Paulo Jr cross land perfectly at his feet; however the tight angle shot was push just past the post by Smits. The last solid scoring chance of the game came when Paulo Jr broke down the wing and was able to get a low cross in to the feet of Nicki Paterson, but the Scotsman’s shot was pushed away by Smits as the 2014 NASL Golden Glove winner would deny Paterson a great chance.
The match would finish 0-0 with both teams taking a share of the points and struggling to get into the upper part of the NASL Standings. Marc Dos Santos was happy to have a third clean sheet following a run of 9 goals against in 3 matches, however he did highlight the need for something extra going forward, and when asked about if he was thinking of adding someone he simply replied yes. With two weeks left in the Spring Season both clubs sit on sit on 9 points, 6th and 7th respectively.
Man Of The Match
Rafael Alves
The Brazilian stood tall in the Fury defense and helped ensure a clean sheet. He made several key tackles, and alongside Colin Falvey, they provided a solid centre back pairing against FC Edmonton.
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