

Posted by

Stuart Mactaggart ,

October 9, 2014 Email

Stuart Mactaggart

On Twitter:

@FuryFanatic_Mac

First Thoughts

Ottawa Fury will travel to New York this weekend as they face a tough test against the New York Cosmos. Ottawa have fallen just shy of stealing points off of New York multiple times this year and they will be looking for a strong performance on the road once again.



Fury FC’s playoff chances are all but over for this year, however, Fury coach Marc Dos Santos will be looking for a strong performance on the road as he looks to at least bring Ottawa up to a mid-table position. Fury had their practice Thursday run longer than normal before their travel day as they may not get a chance to train in New York prior to the game. This is a testament to how focused the squad is on preparing for the match ahead



Dos Santos believes that Fury can win in New York, as the Cosmos are missing some key players like Alessandro Noselli, who is no longer with the club, and, according to the Fury coach, one of the best forwards in the league earlier this year. Dos Santos also highlighted the fact that Han Dennisen has failed to produce after having an injury plagued season and the fact the Cosmos haven’t been able to settle on a proper line up this season means Fury may be able to take advantage and grab a win. “They are a bit of a sleeping lion, they have a lot of experience” Dos Santos said, suggesting if Ottawa play like they have in the last ten games, they should be able to win in New York.



Keep Thinking

Dos Santos was reluctant to reveal any of his starting line up heading into the weekend. However, he did reveal Fury captain Richie Ryan will miss the road game as he and his wife are expecting the birth of their first child. Mauro will likely step into the central midfield position and will hopefully put in a similar performance to the one he put on in the road against Minnesota earlier this year when Ryan was injured. Mauro will likely be joined by Ubiparipovic and Donatelli on either side, with Paterson possibly coming off the bench.



The defense will most likely consist of Richter, Beckie, Trafford and Soria; a backline that has been solid over the past several games. Drew Beckie will likely return to the starting lineup this weekend after missing the trip to Texas last week with a foot injury, leaving Jarun to start on the bench with Woodbine.



The front line will probably be the same one we have seen success with recently, with Mayard and Oliver playing the wings and Heinemann playing through the middle. However, both Carl Haworth and Phil Davies have a chance of featuring, as they have impressed upfront in recent games.



In The End

There is still a lot for the Fury players to play for as they battle to show Dos Santos why they should be at the club next season, and the squad as a whole will look to continue their recent form as they seek a mid-table finish. Although New York has caused Ottawa trouble in the past, Fury will face a different Cosmos line up than they have faced before and they will look to steal more points on the road.



Prediction

New York Cosmos 0-1 Ottawa Fury FC