Without a doubt, Ottawa Fury FC played their best game in some time on Sunday, smacking Indy Eleven all over the pitch at TD Place Stadium en route to a 4-2 victory. Captain Richie Ryan led the way for the Fury with a pair of free kick goals, including a stunning second one (vine below).
Ryan! Goal number two off of FK. #fk master #ohcaptainmycaptain#OttawaFuryFC#naslhttps://t.co/x6yi9uGNMH
— Ottawa Fury FC (@OttawaFuryFC) July 19, 2015
Ottawa Smashes Indy in 4-2 Scorcher
Ottawa was full marks for the three points on the afternoon, dominating possession and creating chance after chance against a disorganized Indy side under caretaker manager Tim Regan. Hulking target man Tom Heinemann continued his solid form, slotting home while on the run to put the game to bed in the second half. With the victory, Fury FC moves into a position from which they could go top of the NASL fall table after Wednesday’s clash with Atlanta.
“For me, I don’t care about the scores – we beat Minnesota 1-0, or we beat somebody 5-4, it doesn’t matter – I care about getting points, and moving up the standings,” said Ottawa manager Marc Dos Santos post-game.
The match started well for Fury FC, who got on the board just thirteen minutes into Sunday’s match courtesy of a Sinisa Ubiparipovic set piece. The Bosnian midfielder whipped in a perfect ball off a free kick to the Indy back post, and an incredibly unmarked Rafael Alves headed past Indy goalkeeper Kristian Nicht.
Indy responded in the 33rd minute, as Jamaican forward Don Smart was given ample time and space in the midfield before rifling an unstoppable bullet past Ottawa goalkeeper Romuald Peiser to draw the visitors level.
Fury FC captain Richie Ryan restored the hosts’ lead just two minutes later, sending a free kick from the edge of the Indy 18-yard box over the wall and past a stone-footed Nicht.
Ottawa would then put the game to bed in the 55th minute, as Rafael Alves launched a long ball for striker Tom Heinemann. The towering frontman somehow ran onto the end of it, before fanning on his shot. Luckily for Fury FC, Indy goalkeeper Kristian Nicht proved to be less than capable again, standing stoically as he watched Heinemann’s glorified pass roll into his net.
Captain Ryan then iced the three points for Ottawa with his aforementioned stunning free kick.
The victory pushes Ottawa into a tie for the final NASL combined standing playoff spot with Minnesota United, and within one point of Canadian rivals FC Edmonton for first-place in the NASL fall table. It also sets up a crucial game for Ottawa on Wednesday night, as a win against the visiting Atlanta Silverbacks would push them to the top of the NASL fall table.
Fury FC Player Ratings
(With 6.0 as average)
Romuald Peiser, GK: While the ‘Flying Frenchman’ was beaten twice by Indy on Sunday, he was still solid, denying Victor Pineda on a late penalty kick. The veteran shot-stopper also showcased his well-polished time-wasting skills on a few goal kicks.7.5
Mason Trafford, LB: The Canadian centerback-turned-leftback was excellent against Indy, marauding up and down the left flank with the vigour of a natural wingback. Excellent passes, strong tackles, and a beautiful two-way performance from the former Vancouver Whitecap. 8.5
Colin Falvey, CB: One half of Ottawa’s strong centerback pairing, the Irish defender had another solid, workmanlike performance against Indy. 7.0
Rafael Alves, CB: The towering Brazilian notched his second goal of 2015 with a first half header, and put in another solid game. Also put in a quality ball on Heinemann’s goal. However, Indy’s late consolation goal was on him. 7.5
Ryan Richter, RB: Active all game long on the right flank, Richter made a slicing run in the second half which could have made for a Goal-of-the-Week candidate, had it not been for a last-ditch tackle by an Indy defender. 6.5
Sinisa Ubiparipovic, CM: The hit-and-miss Bosnian midfielder had a rarity on Sunday: a mediocre game. Almost always one of the best or worst players on the pitch, ‘Ubi’ distributed decently enough and served a good ball on Ottawa’s opening goal. 6.5
Richie Ryan, CM: Ottawa’s captain was superb, despite not being 100% match fit. A pair of goals off of free kicks and excellent ball distribution give him a rare top rating. 10.0
Julian De Guzman, CM: Substituted at halftime after picking up what appears to be a minor injury, the Canadian international looked tired after three straight 90-minute performances with the national team at the Gold Cup. Hopefully he takes some time to rest and recuperate. 6.0
Paulo Junior, LW: The energetic Brazilian was once again one of Ottawa’s most creative players on the pitch, but his touch in the final third disappointed and he was again left goalless. Still, positive movements and work rate from the exciting winger. 7.0
Tom Heinemann, ST: With increased pressure on his spot in the Starting XI, Heinemann has now tripled his goal total from the entire spring campaign in the span of three games to start the fall season. He is in very, very good form. Dominant on aerial 50/50s. 8.5
Andrew Wiedeman, RW: The affable American continues to struggle. Thirteen games, no goals. Was really the only Fury starter not to make a single stand-out play on the afternoon. His clock is ticking and he seems to know it. 5.0
Main Photo courtesy NASL.com
