

Posted by

Stuart Mactaggart ,

April 2, 2015 Email

Stuart Mactaggart

On Twitter:

@FuryFanatic

Ottawa Fury FC will kick off the 2015 North American Soccer League in Carolina on Saturday, scheduled for the early 1pm kick off. Comparing this year with last, it’s clear to see season preparations have been much smoother and organized, and there is no doubt Fury FC will be looking for a positive start to the season, earning all three points in Carolina.



The Fury roster is much improved from last year, with strong additions to the defense, midfield and forward positions. Alves and Falvey have added strength, size and experience to the defence, while Wiedeman and Paulo Jr add speed and skill up front. Julian De Guzman is undoubtedly the largest addition to the squad this off season, and despite coming off two matches for Canada this past week, he could feature this weekend. Canadian Patryk Misik and former Atlanta Silverback Brandon Poltronieri have also added depth in the midfield.



Keep thinking



Marc Dos Santos talked about RNO about the Julian De Guzman signing, saying “It adds experience, It adds technical ability, and it adds that we are going to have more possession with him. It will be very interesting to see him and Richie Ryan together, I think they are very suitable to work together” Dos Santos will be without injured Phil Davies and suspended Oliver, Paterson and Mauro for their April 4th match in Carolina. With options in the midfield limited, Dos Santos added “Julian joins us on Tuesday (March 31). We weren’t planning on using him in Carolina, but I think may need to text him to tell him be ready, he may need to play right away.”



For the starting XI, there is no doubt Romuald Peiser will take the starting position in net, having earned it last season. The backline for the Fury will likely line up with former Toronto FC defender Ryan Richter on the right, off season additions Rafael Alves and Colin Falvey in the centre-back positions, and Mike Randolph on the left. Julian De Guzman may start in Richie Ryan’s usual holding midfield position, if the Irishman is unable to start, with Misik and Ubiparipovic likely starting alongside in the midfield. Paulo Jr and Carl Haworth may get the starts on the wing, with Oliver being out suspended; while former Toronto FC forward Andrew Wiedeman could get the start in the centre-forward position.



In the end



Marc Dos Santos has put a lot of emphasis on the winning mentality throughout the preseason campaign (4-1-0) and he will expect to see a similar effort from the squad in Carolina. Fury FC will be looking for a playoff position this season and it will be important to get off to a strong start on the road. Following their game in Atlanta on April 11th, Ottawa will have their home opener at TD Place on April 18th vs Minnesota United.



Prediction

Carolina Railhawks 1-3 Ottawa Fury FC