Saturday’s ugly 2-1 loss to the Fort Lauderdale Strikers nearly left coach Marc Dos Dantos at a loss for words in what was a critically important game for the home side.

Darnell King scored the winner and Fafa Picault took advantage of an uncharacteristic giveaway by midfielder Nicki Paterson in the first half to tie the game and stun the crowd of 4,814 at TD Place.

“It’s out of this world we get out of this without a point,” said a downcast Dos Santos, struggling to describe where things are going wrong for his expansion side. “It’s tough for me to talk with you (media) because it’s crazy we don’t get out of here with (a result).”

The match saw Ottawa come out firing on all cylinders, controlling the possession early and seeming ready to break a three-game losing streak. Their hard work paid off in the 10th minute as Carl Haworth scored the first-ever goal at TD Place, picking up a brutal giveaway by Fort Lauderdale in their own box and roofing a beautiful shot passed Strikers keeper David Meves.

Ottawa enjoyed a few more minutes of strong play following the goal before Paterson tried to touch the ball back to his own keeper. Before it could get to Romuald Peiser however, Picault picked up, moved around Peiser and deposited an easy goal into the back of the net.

The wheels fell off in a big way after that and, despite a few more chances for Ottawa in the second half, it looked like Ottawa would leave the pitch with a disappointing 1-1 draw. After King picked up a pass and split Ottawa’s centre back, fans were hoping for a draw.

Haworth said it was tough to enjoy the historic goal considering the end result but believes his team can rebound next weekend against San Antonio.

“It’s nice to be on the score sheet but the results are the bigger thing for us,” Haworth said following the game. “We’re going through a rough patch right now, the results aren’t going our way.”

Dos Santos said his team was playing like an expansion club and was concerned with the lack of push back from his team in this one.

“This is things that happen from a team that doesn’t have a solid core at the moment,” the coach said. “We have to keep working.”

The loss hurt more considering how well the game started, Dos Santos said.

“We have to work so hard to get goals,” he said.

Fury will have Sunday and Monday off before returning to training and trying to address a few significant issues. Dos Santos said they need the short break to clear their heads.”

​Game notes

After Fury coach Marc Dos Santos called Peiser one of his side’s best players in Minnesota, the France native made his second straight start for Ottawa ... Saturday’s marked the first game that striker Tommy Heinemann hasn’t started for Ottawa so far this fall season. Heinemann replaced Dantas early in the second half against Fort Lauderdale ... After going down with what appeared to be a knee injury in training Friday, defender Ramon Soria — who was expected to start Saturday — didn’t dress against Fort Lauderdale ... Defender Omar Jarun, who is out at least a few more weeks, is one of a few Fury players dealing with calf injuries as they transition from a hard Carleton University pitch to the softer surface at TD Place ... Announced attendance at TD Place Saturday was 4,814.

"chris.hofley@sunmedia.ca

Twitter: @chrishofley