Photo by NASL/Ottawa Fury FC
By AARON CRANFORD
Ottawa Fury FC had a tough two-game road test to begin the year, only grabbing one point in the process, but Marc Dos Santos’ men demonstrated why there’s no place like home.
The Canadian side took down Minnesota United FC, 1-0, in front of more than 5,000 Fury fans on Saturday. United had little going for them all match due to Fury FC’s high pressure and offensive bombardment.
Last year’s Spring Season winner Minnesota United looked a shadow of their former selves against Ottawa, especially in the first half. Forwards Tom Heinemann and Paulo Junior combined well and forced United goalkeeper Sammy Ndjock into five saves within the first 45 minutes alone.
And Heinemann was the man to break the deadlock in the second half, beating Tiago Calvano in the lead-up to the goal with a nifty cut inside.
The first half belonged to the home side, as Ottawa created a plethora of opportunities while Minnesota United struggled to find and create things going forward. The Loons’ deadly duo of Christian Ramirez and Miguel Ibarra looked absent from TD Place all game.
The chances started rolling in during the 8th minute, as Minnesota midfielder Ibson saw his chance go just wide on one end, and Fury FC forward Heinemann had his chance blocked away by goalkeeper Ndjock on the other side.
It was Heinemann again causing havoc in the box in the 20th minute, but his shot was cleared away in the box.
Moments later, Ndjock handed Fury FC a wonderful chance to tally the first of the afternoon after handling the ball just outside of the box in the 21st minute, but the goalkeeper made up for his mistake and yellow card by making a huge save to his right on the free kick. The subsequent corner again caused concern for Minnesota United, but Ndjock was there to stand tall.
Nearing the half, Paulo Junior swerved a shot in from the left side, but Ndjock continued to save the Loons, punching the chance clear.
Daniel Mendes had the best chance to start the second half, but this time around, it was Ottawa goalkeeper Romuald Peiser who came up big in goal. United came out of the gates with a little more energy and decisiveness, but the Canadian side kept putting chances on frame.
The breakthrough finally came in the 68th minute when Heinemann, who had been causing problems all match, beat Calvano, sped toward goal and slotted the ball past Ndjock.
Substitute Kalif Alhassan added some life to the struggling Loons late on, but his efforts would be for naught. Things just weren’t clicking for the 2014 Soccer Bowl semifinalists.
Ottawa Fury FC will try to grab another victory at home next Saturday against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. Minnesota United will host the San Antonio Scorpions the same day.