Photo by New York Cosmos
By RYAN TOLMICH
In a battle of NASL contenders, it was Ottawa Fury FC that made a major statement with a resounding defeat of the New York Cosmos.
Currently leading the NASL Fall standings, Fury FC went into Shuart Stadium and routed the Cosmos, 4-1, Tuesday night. With the victory, Fury FC opens up a five-point lead over the Cosmos atop the Fall table.
Ottawa got things started in the 31st minute on a well-worked set piece. On a free kick played in by Richie Ryan, Colin Falve headed the effort back across the box to Paulo Jr. The Ottawa forward proceeded to smash a shot past Cosmos goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer to open the scoring.
After seeing Andres Flores level the scoreline two minutes into the second half, Ottawa regained the lead in the 56th minute on Paulo Jr.’s second of the night. Playing a quick one-two, Sinisa Ubiparipovic looped a ball up and over the Cosmos defense and into the path of Paulo Jr., who bested Maurer again to push the lead to 2-1.
With the Cosmos pushing for another leveler, Ottawa added to the lead in the 77th minute on a Carlos Mendes’ own goal. Just one minute later, the lead was pushed to three, as a Ubiparipovic cross to Tom Heinemann was rocketed home from the top of the box to seal Ottawa’s 4-1 victory.
With the win, Ottawa remains unbeaten in the team’s last six contests and has 31 fall points through 14 contests.
Ottawa returns to action on Saturday with a visit to the Carolina RailHawks, while the Cosmos look to bounce back on Sunday on the road against FC Edmonton.
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What do you think about Ottawa Fury FC’s win over the Cosmos? Surprised to see New York routed at home like that? Consider the Canadian club the favorite for this year’s Soccer Bowl?
Share your thoughts below.
No problem,NASL is just a front. They’re saving it up, pacing themselves for the true goal- a deep run through Champion’s League. I mean, you know, if they ever make it.
Cosmos looked like the Knicks
Like the Cosmos, Ottawa is a strong, well-coached team. Paulo Jr., Ubiparapovic and Heinemann were impactful and the Fury’s backline is solid. The Cosmos need to do a better job of marking Paulo Jr., Ubiparapovic and Heinemann (not easy). Would like to see how the Cosmos do against Ottawa with Rovérsio and Moffat on the field.
The skill and fitness of Marcos Senna is UNbelievable and I love Raul’s heart. I look forward to watching Senna play his final games this season, hopefully culminating in a Cosmos – Fury final.
Good observations. Thanks.
It’s an interesting staff they have there, Dos Santos, who’s apparently won wherever he goes, Nash, who’s an experienced Canadian, and Grobbelaar for the keepers.
Bad,bad loss!! Gio better straighten up the ship pronto! he better put in fresh ;legs in there. the team looked awfully slow and tired!