|
|
Posted by
Stuart Mactaggart,
October 2, 2014 |
|
Email
Stuart Mactaggart
On Twitter:
@FuryFanatic_Mac
|
|
Read this on your iPhone/iPad or Android device |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Ottawa Fury earned their first win at TD Place Stadium on Wednesday evening as they defeated the Atlanta Silverbacks 2-0. The win has been a long time coming for Fury as they have continually impressed at home but had been unable to put together a win. The victory will give the squad confidence heading into a road trip to Texas to face San Antonio.
The second of three games this week for Ottawa, the depth of the squad was tested as the starting lineup was a very different squad from the one that had been put together for the previous three matches. O’Brian Woodbine got his first appearance for Ottawa as he replaced Soria at left back, while Omar Jarun replaced Beckie in the centre back position. Nicki Paterson replaced Ubiparipovic on left midfield while Ryan and Donatelli retained their starting positions. Vini Dantas was given a rare start as Heinemann started on the bench, while Mayard was rested allowing both Oliver and Haworth to start upfront.
The Opening 45
Ottawa opened the game with quite a few chances as they quickly put Atlanta on the back foot, with both Haworth and Paterson creating chances early on. Fury beat Atlanta 3-0 on the road just ten days ago and it was clear that Ottawa gaffer Dos Santos had approached the game correctly from a tactical perspective. Omar Jarun, who has struggled to find a spot in the starting eleven, had a great first half as he was able to keep Chavez to only a few chances. Jarun’s height was an important factor against Atlanta as they once again resulted in attempting to play the long ball to their loan striker.
Ottawa took the lead in the 22nd minute as Vini Dantas danced his way past two defenders and comfortably slotted the ball past Silverbacks keeper Ati. The depth of the squad was apparent during the match as Nicki Paterson added a second goal in the 34th minute; both Dantas and Vini started on the bench the last three games. It was Paterson’s first goal for Ottawa as he spent much of the Spring Season injured, and has had to battle for one of only three midfield positions. Ottawa entered the half with a rare 2-0 lead feeling happy as they controlled much of the play and kept Atlanta to only a few chances.
The Second Half
The second half played out much like the first, with Ottawa taking the share of opportunities and chances on goal, limiting Atlanta to very few. Peiser was forced to make the odd save from Atlanta threats however he was never seriously tested. Davies replaced Oliver in the 70th minute, as the Brazilian will be rested for the road trip to Texas. Heinemann replaced Dantas just two minutes later and the American striker had several decent chances on net as he provided fresh legs and speed through the middle.
The match seemed to lose much of its tempo as the clock ticked on, with Atlanta losing any motivation to look for points and Ottawa became comfortable sitting back and protecting their lead. Things got heated near fulltime as Silverbacks were put down to 10 men following a sending off. Fury captain Ryan was attempting to walk past Silverbacks centre midfielder Burgos when their shoulders connected, and Burgos shoved Ryan to the ground by putting his hand around the Fury captain’s throat. Ottawa was unable to convert any of their chances in the second half, however they were able to close out the 2-0 win and provide the home crowd with their first victory.
Ottawa have finally got the monkey off their back as they have provided their amazing home fans with a crucial home win. Both Fury players and coaching staff will feel a certain amount of confidence as they head to Texas, however they will be aware of the tough task ahead of them as they face a long travel day followed by their third game in seven days.
Officiating was once again an issue at a Fury game as they failed to see many calls go for them, including defender Woodbine being body checked head first into the electronic advertising, meanwhile Heinemann is penalized for a similar challenge in the second half. The NASL will certainly need to improve the quality of refs they hire if they are to be taken more seriously as a competitive league.
Although a playoff position seems to out of the question for Ottawa, each game is important both for the club moral and for Dos Santos looking the future of each player at the club. Tonight’s match showed the depth of the squad as two non-regular starters, Dantas and Paterson, were able to create and score both goals, while the likes of Mayard and Ubiparipovic can be rested for the weekend.
Man of the Match
Vini Dantas
Vini Dantas showed his composure tonight and had an incredible first half as he scored one amazing goal and set up another. A player that hasn’t quite been given the opportunity he perhaps should have as Tommy Heinemann has been favoured to start; Dantas’ certainly took advantage of the rare start to showcase to both Dos Santos and the fans what he is capable of when given a chance. It was Dantas’ first goal since netting the first ever Fury goal back in the Spring Season.
Honorable Mention
Nicki Paterson certainly showed his potential as he helped control much of the game and create chances. O’Brian Woodbine had a great first game for Ottawa as well as he showed a lot of passion and determination.
|