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Posted by
Stuart Mactaggart,
September 14, 2014 |
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Stuart Mactaggart
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Ottawa Fury FC were able to build on the momentum from last week’s late equalizer to earn their second road win in a row. Goals from Oliver and Ubiparipovic earned Fury FC a 2-0 win over the Rowdies at AL Lang Stadium in front of a crowd of 4,340.
With Haworth still injured, Fury’s front line consisted of Mayard, Heinemann and Oliver, while the midfield saw Paterson, Ryan and Donatelli get the start. Fury midfielder Ubiparipovic started on the bench for this match as he was feeling back soreness pregame. The backline for Ottawa saw the return of Drew Beckie, who was absent from the starting lineup the past two weeks due to an ankle injury, alongside Trafford, Jarun and Soria.
The Opening 45
The Tampa Bay Rowdies started the game off with a fair amount of tempo, earning a number of corners in the opening stages of the game. Tampa beat Ottawa just two weeks ago at TD Place with a 2-0 score line and would have been feeling confident with their start.
Ottawa slowly worked their way into the game as they gained some possession and created chances, and it was in the 25th minute that Oliver was able to get his head on the end of a Soria cross to send the ball into the back, giving the Fury at 1-0 lead. The Rowdies continued to push for an equalizer as the game approached half time, forcing Fury keeper Peiser to make some important saves.
The game entered half time with a 1-0 lead for Ottawa however Tampa would have been feeling they had missed some important chances to tie the match before the break.
The Second Half
The second half was an intense 45 minutes, with physicality taking over as the dominant theme of the half. Davies came on for Jarun at half time as the Palestinian international appeared to pick up a hamstring injury. Rowdies gained control of the half early on as they continued to test Fury keeper Peiser. Meanwhile, Ottawa was able to create chances on the break, including a fantastic Heinemann shot that just missed the top far corner of the Rowdies net from just outside the box.
Things got heated in the 67th minute as Oliver appeared to kick Wallace’s legs out from under him, causing Wallace to approach Oliver in a threatening manner and Oliver hit the ground in what appeared to be an act. Both players were yellow carded and the game continued with its physical manner. Not long after this altercation Oliver was replaced by Ubiparipovic, who immediately had an impact on the game, including earning a yellow for a rough tackle after only four minutes on the pitch.
Tampa showed similar determination that Ottawa has shown in past games to find an equalizer, as the game entered its final moments. However, several chances to tie the game were squandered by the Rowdies.
The Fury were able to double their lead in the 94th minute as Ubiparipovic added to his goal tally by latching on to a beautiful Vini Dantas pass and sealing the win for Ottawa.
Although the game ended with a 2-0 score line for Ottawa, they were lucky to not have conceded any goals as Romuald Peiser was once again heroic in net for the Fury. The team seems to lack the final third they need to play high quality football, however they more than make up for it with hard work and determination, a testament to the team’s character. It is hard wins like this one in Tampa that show there is something to build on in Ottawa for next year, even as they hold onto their slim playoff chances for this year.
Man of the Match
The Man of the Match is once again Peiser in net for Ottawa. Some amazing diving saves proved to be the difference in the match as Ottawa was able to keep a clean score sheet. Peiser’s experience has shown in the last few weeks, as the 35 year old still has cat like reflexes and a lot of passion in his play the game.
Lineups and Events
Ottawa (4-3-3) –GK Romuald Peiser; D Drew Beckie, Omar Jarun (Phillippe Davies 46'), Mason Trafford, Ramon Soria; M Tony Donatelli, Ritchie Ryan (c), Nicki Paterson; F Oliver (SInisa Ubiparipovic 71'), Tom Heinemann (Vini Dantas 85'), Pierre-Rudolph Mayard
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