

Posted by

Stuart Mactaggart ,

November 17, 2014 Email

Stuart Mactaggart

On Twitter:

@FuryFanatic_Mac

Ottawa Fury FC has finished their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League and now it’s time to look back on the season, including the highs and the lows. With Marc Dos Santos at the helm as Fury coach, the club has accomplished quite a lot this season, but the team also has a lot of room for improvement. However, overall, there is no doubt the club is headed in the right direction.



The first season for an expansion club is always tough, as they are looking to build a team from scratch. The task may have seemed daunting for some people, but for Marc Dos Santos it was the perfect fit. His knowledge of the game mixed with this connections through times in Europe, South America and Montreal, meant he was capable of bringing in quality footballers in a concise manner. He was able to look at not only Canadian and American talent, but also brought in key Brazilian players like Dantas and Oliver, as well as Frenchman Peiser.



Marc Dos Santos on Building Fury FC (Credit: Ottawafuryfc.com):







The club finished 6th in the Spring Season of the NASL, a good start for the club to build upon in the Fall Season. Midfielders Ubiparipovic and Donatelli proved to be important figures in the squad through the Spring Season, netting numerous goals and assists between them. Both Richie Ryan and Mason Trafford played every minute of the opening season, giving Ottawa a solid core in the spine of the team.



The Fall Season began with some disappointment, with Ottawa gaining just two points in their first six games. Despite the full-time return of Nicki Paterson and Tommy Heinemann to the squad, as well as the introduction of an experienced keeper in Romuald Peiser, the squad struggled to find results. By the time Ottawa was able to string together some solid performances and results, the playoff run was all but over for Fury FC. However, aside from a 3-0 loss to Carolina, the Ottawa Fury was competitive in nearly all their matches, giving top clubs like Minnesota and New York tough competition.



Both Ubiparipovic and Donatelli stood out again in the Fall Season, with Ryan and Trafford once more proving to be important parts of the central core. Omar Jarun played an important role in the latter parts of the Fall Season, while Drew Beckie paired frequently with Trafford in the earlier parts of the season. Maykon and the club ultimately went their separated ways, allowing both Soria and new signing Woodbine to see time in left defense.



Ottawa finished 9th in the Fall Season, giving them an overall 8th finish in the combined standings. Marc Dos Santos would have been hoping for a playoff position (or at least a top 5 finish), meaning that he will undoubtedly be disappointed with the Ottawa Fury’s Fall Season.



Although the results weren’t always there, it is evident that there is a good set of core players in Ottawa that Dos Santos will be able to continue to build a competitive squad around. Dos Santos is expected to spend much of the off season scouting for new players to help improve the club for their playoff push in 2015.