Initial Thoughts

Ottawa Fury FC hits the road again, travelling to Minnesota this week to face the NASL Spring Season champions on Saturday as it attempts to break its 4-game winless streak and scoring drought. The league match between the two sides has been shifted to TCF Bank Stadium at the University of Minnesota, and immediately follows the International Champions Cup friendly between Manchester City and Olympiacos, as Minnesota is expected to better the NASL single-game attendance record that Ottawa set just 3 weeks ago in their fall season opener against the New York Cosmos at TD Place. Ottawa sits on 1 point after its first three matches in the Fall Season, having lost 3-0 away at Carolina last Saturday in a match in which they were dominated, particularly in the 1st half. Minnesota, meanwhile, sits on 7 points after its three matches, most recently conceding an injury-time equalizer in a 1-1 away draw with Atlanta. Minnesota is an impressive 4-1-0 in its league matches at home, while Ottawa has accumulated a record of 1-1-4 in its away league matches.



The two sides met in the Spring Season in a memorable match for the Ottawa’s supporters, as Minnesota visited Keith Harris Stadium in Carleton University for the inaugural home match in the Fury FC’s history. Minnesota were the better team in possession as the game went on, and stole the match on a free kick from Ottawa’s right flank more than 6 minutes into the 2nd half injury time, which saw captain Aaron Pitchkolan getting on the end of a loose ball bouncing its way around the six-yard box. ST Vini Dantas had given hope to the Ottawa faithful with the first goal in Fury FC history on a header off of a right-wing cross from CM Tony Donatelli in the 50th minute to cancel out a 1st half goal from the Miguel Ibarra to Christian Ramirez connection.



Keep Thinking

Ottawa LW Oliver’s status remains day-to-day, as he continues to nurse an ankle injury, while RB Drew Beckie, who made a return to the bench in the club’s previous match, also remains day-to-day for the Fury. Both players are expected to return to the 18-man matchday squad against Minnesota. GK Romuald Peiser finalizes his buildup to full match fitness after his move from Academica de Coimbra in Portugal. RedNation Online understands that he will be in the matchday squad, and may potentially push Devala Gorrick for a spot in the starting lineup. CB Omar Jarun and CM Tony Donatelli have picked up training injuries this week, and are doubtful for the matchday.



After the heavy loss in Carolina, the Ottawa starting XI may see more changes. The defense will be examined carefully to see what can be done to stem the damage that Carolina inflicted, particularly throughout the 1st half of the match. CB Mason Trafford and Gorrick were the stronger performers as, despite each playing various roles in the three goals conceded, they contributed to prevent a more unflattering scoreline. The midfield, which has been the strong point of Ottawa’s spring season, may be examined as well, as the 3 established starters have not yet played up to their great form in the spring season. CM Nicki Paterson made his league return from injury against Carolina and will be looking to provide strong competition for the midfield spots. The offensive drought has worried Ottawa supporters as well, and the formation may yet shift from the 4-1-2-1-2 diamond formation employed last week, perhaps back to the 4-3-3 formation that the players have performed the most admirably in so far. Winger Carl Haworth has been lively in his Fall performances so far, and may contend for a return to the starting lineup.



Manager Marc Dos Santos made it clear to RNO that he is not upset with the way the team has been playing, as they have been creating the chances needed, but have just not been finishing them. The forwards were brought into training half an hour early both Tuesday and Wednesday this week to work on finishing and repetition going to goal. Dos Santos says the forwards just need to find their confidence, as “Heinemann is on a breakaway near the end of the game (vs Carolina) and tried to pass it to Vini (Dantas), and Vini wasn’t even expecting it. Usually a forward who is in a moment of high confidence, he will go in and score, or at least get a shot away, not pass it. So we just need to find the confidence again. I trust they (goals) will come on Saturday.”



Minnesota has continued its impressive Spring Season form into the Fall Season, with only a last-minute equalizer conceded last week against Atlanta preventing the team from opening the season with three straight win. Their success is highlighted by an impressive 2-0 friendly win over EPL side Swansea City last week. ST Christian Ramirez leads the league with 7 goals and is tied for 2nd in the league with 4 assists, as he currently dominates the NASL scoring charts. After graduating from Concordia (CA) University, Ramirez played a season with Charlotte in the USL Pro before joining Minnesota this season, and higher levels of football beckon for the physical striker, who packs a fierce long shot.



Minnesota primarily plays in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with diminutive AM Miguel Ibarra, who currently has 4 goals and 3 assists in the league, another centerpiece of its strong attack. DM Aaron Pitchkolan is a bruising presence in midfield, and, along with Ibarra, was named to the 2013 NASL Best XI. The Brazilian CB duo of Cristiano Dias and Tiago Calvano, who played a season with FC Barcelona B, along with GK Mitch Hildebrandt, have been instrumental in the 2nd best defense in the league this season.



Final Thoughts

Ottawa is travelling to face a tough team in Minnesota at a time when it is sorely looking for a positive result to kickstart its Fall Season. The pace of Ottawa’s wingers and the through balls of Ottawa’s midfield may be key to the counter-attacking approach that it may very well adopt against the Spring Season champions. With Minnesota’s strong record at home and its impressive start to the Fall Season, Ottawa will need all of its strength and tactical acumen to snatch a result away in the Twin Cities.



Injuries and Suspensions

CB Omar Jarun (doubtful), CM Tony Donatelli (doubtful), LW Oliver (day-to-day), RB

Drew Beckie (day-to-day)



TV (Ottawa)

NASLLive.com, Saturday 5:30pm EDT