First Thoughts

In a battle of expansion sides, both the Ottawa Fury FC and Indy Eleven head into this match looking to gain important points as the competitive NASL spring season begins to wind down. Having played five league games each, the clubs have a combined total of one win and three draws to show for it. Ottawa will be looking for their first point away from home, while Indy are still searching for their first-ever NASL victory.



The Fury has at least one reason for optimism, as the injury dilemmas which plagued the club in recent weeks are improving. In traveling to Indianapolis, they will experience the exciting Indy Eleven home atmosphere which has gained the attention of soccer fans and analysts across North America. Both factors will be considerable, as Ottawa’s revamped roster will be playing in front of the boisterous crowd.



Indy Eleven manager Juergen Sommer has built an expansion side which features a mix of youth and experience, as well as local and non-local talent. The Fury will encounter a balanced squad which can be competitive in all areas of the field.



Keep Thinking

Heading into this match, the Fury’s coaching staff will have a relatively simple task in determining their match-day roster. With the benefits of having several players contribute solid performances in the club’s previous game, a 1-1 home draw against the Tampa Bay Rowdies, as well as an ease on the injury situations, Marc Dos Santos will have several solid options in all areas of the field. Forward Carl Haworth, who played the full 90 minutes against the Rowdies, has made a solid case for his continued presence in the starting XI. Against Tampa Bay, his large presence and excellent positioning created several opportunities for Ottawa. Meanwhile, attacking midfielders Tony Donatelli and Sinisa Ubiparipovic will be looking to continue the creativity displayed in the previous match.



Donatelli’s solid midfield presence, as well as the goal he scored, has lead to his inclusion in the most recent NASL team of the week. After recovering from a lackluster first half which saw them concede several scoring opportunities and a penalty kick, the Fury’s back-four look to continue upon the improved effort shown in the second half against Tampa Bay. Holding midfielder Richie Ryan, coming off a fine performance against the Rowdies, will continue to be instrumental in supporting the defenders through dismantling attacking plays from opposing teams.



Having suffered a slight groin pull at the end of the Fury’s last match, Dos Santos will be pleased that Ubiparipovic appears to have recovered without re-aggravating a recent injury. This fortunate news highlights a relatively good week for the Fury, which saw the intensity of practices increase as players recover from injuries and fatigue sustained from a recently hectic schedule. With only Nicki Paterson and Tom Heinneman, who have been dealing with long-term setbacks, ruled out for this week’s game, the squad is returning to its full strength. Forward Pierre-Rudolphe Mayard and left-back Maykon participated in the this week’s practices, and look to return to action against the Indy Eleven.



While playing in front of passionate home crowds which, early in their professional existence, feature attendances topping 10 000, Indy Eleven have yet to record a victory for their faithful. With pride on the line, they will be looking for a confidence-inspiring effort against the Ottawa Fury. Their expansion squad, built while employing a similar mindset to that of the Fury, includes players with various backgrounds who contribute a variety of skills. A solid veteran presence is highlighted by Brazilian midfielder Kleberson, whose experience includes winning the 2002 FIFA World Cup and playing for Manchester United.



In addition, midfielders Brad Ring and Walter Ramirez, as well as striker Michael Ambersley, contribute a host of experience in MLS and NASL. Several youth players, including Kyle Hyland, Jaime Frias, and Dylan Mares will benefit from the veteran leadership which manager Sommer has brought. Hyland and Frias, in particular, make up a young defensive line for Indy Eleven, and will benefit from the leadership of veteran Honduran defender Erick Norales.



With a seemingly large focus on creating an environment which favours the development of its youth players, Indy Eleven completed its 23-man roster through the acquisition of two midfielders this week. Blake Smith, 23, was acquired on loan from the Montreal Impact of MLS, while Kevin Rozo, 19, was signed following a trial period with the club.



Rozo brings significant potential to Indy, having previously played in the academy of Argentinean club River Plate, as well as the youth sides of the US and Colombian national teams. Smith’s loan, meanwhile, is indicative of a willingness from the Impact to send its players to NASL clubs for development. He will likely see the Fury’s Zakaria Messoudi, also on loan from Montreal, as their current clubs face each other in league action.



Final Thoughts

With Ottawa Fury FC and Indy Eleven coming into the NASL with lofty on-field expectations, this match will be important for both as they look to move up the league table. Indy will be focused as they look to use the motivation of their raucous home support to achieve their first-ever victory, while the Fury are looking to improve upon previous lackluster away performances.



The two expansion teams were built using similar methodologies from their managers, and, as a result, are solid sides which can be competitive in all areas of the field. Eight individual goal-scorers have contributed Ottawa and Indy’s combined twelve goals-scored this season, indicating a versatile ability from both to create opportunities from many areas on the pitch. While the Fury enters the game with the momentum of a newly-healthy roster and a fast-paced week of training, Indy will benefit from the energy of its home atmosphere.



Prediction

Indy Eleven 2 – 2 Ottawa Fury FC