Absolutely monstrous game winner from @nickipaterson8 this afternoon. Top celebration too! #footy #TresPuntos pic.twitter.com/IWl6kw4a6I
— Two Man Advantage (@2MARadio) May 23, 2015
An offensive Picasso, Ottawa Fury FC’s 1-0 victory on Saturday afternoon, it was not. However, Marc Dos Santos’s side picked up a critical three points and proved that they can play a sound defensive game against an aggressive opponent, in Saturday’s case, the Indy Eleven.
Defensive Fury FC Snag Three Points from Indy
The win was a breath of fresh air for Ottawa’s players, coaches, and fans, of whom a season-high 5245 braved a blustery, cool day to support the Fury on Saturday.
Ottawa midfielder Nicki Paterson one-timed a loose ball past Indy goalkeeper Kristian Nicht just two minutes from time to secure the three points for Ottawa, a crucial three points at that.
With the victory, Ottawa moved off the bottom of the NASL table and finished Saturday evening in a tie for sixth place with the Atlanta Silverbacks. More importantly for the Fury, they moved to within just two points of the final playoff spot, currently held by Jacksonville Armada FC.
Ottawa buckled down and defended for the majority of Saturday afternoon’s match, with Indy controlling the midfield but failing to truly trouble Fury FC goalkeeper Romuald Peiser aside from one effort in the second half.
Paterson’s 88th minute winner was a thing of beauty, as Ottawa midfielder Sinisa Ubiparipovic made an energetic run into the heart of the Indy penalty area before his centring effort was deflected. The ball fell perfectly for Paterson, who smashed the ball past a helpless Nicht and inside the far post, bringing the raucous Family Day crowd at TD Place to its feet.
Paterson hopped into the crowd, and weeks of tension and frustration were released as supporters and players celebrated wildly. Smoke mingled with emotions, sweat, and possible even some tears (of joy) in the supporters’ Section W, and Ottawa relaunched their playoff bid.
Fury FC will play their final home match of the 2015 NASL Spring Season on Friday, May 29th, at 7 p.m., when it will host rivals FC Edmonton.
Main Photo: Steve Kingsman Photography, via Ottawa Fury FC
