Young Canadian Adonijah Reid scores hat-trick for Ottawa Fury in 3-0 win

Photo Credit: New York Red Bulls II

Ottawa Fury FC visited Montclair State University Park to face New York Red Bulls II on Sunday afternoon in USL action. It was a hot and humid afternoon, but that didn’t stop Adonijah Reid from bagging three goals leading Fury FC to a 3-0 win. After an unconvincing performance against semi-pro team AS Blainville in midweek, Fury FC bounces back with an impressive win against a talented Red Bulls II team.

Ottawa Fury clinical on the counter-attack

Earlier in the season, when Head Coach Nikola Popovic was beginning to mould his team, some expected Fury FC to play a possession style. A style that would see Fury FC dominate possession and wear down its opponents until a scoring opportunity could be fashioned.

It is clear now, Popovic has decided to make use of his team’s pace in forward areas and use the counter-attack to catch opposing team’s off guard and over committed.

Popovic’s tactics worked to perfection against Red Bulls II.

Despite conceding over 70% of possession, Fury FC made the most of its time with the ball. It only took three minutes for Fury FC to strike.

The goal came from a long ball sent by Kévin Oliveira from deep in his own half that found Tony Taylor running in behind. Taylor then did well to keep the ball under pressure and find an onrushing Adonijah Reid who needed only one touch before dispatching the ball past Evan Louro.

The goal was a great example of Fury FC’s progression since the beginning of the season. Oliveira struggled at times finding his passing range in previous matches but made a pinpoint pass during the lead up to the goal and Reid, who has impressed with his nifty footwork and skill on the ball, is finally delivering end product to go with his work between the boxes.

The early opening goal played in Fury FC’s favour as they could comfortably sit back and soak up pressure and counter-attack when the opportunity presented itself.

Reid got two more goals in the 57th and 64th minutes completing his hat-trick. Reid’s third goal was especially impressive as Oliveira was again pulling the strings. This time Oliveira found Reid streaming down the right side. Reid used his pace to run by the Red Bulls II defender with ease and cut inside to create the opening to shoot with his weaker left foot and score.

The win and overall performance was a great example of the togetherness and understanding the team is creating.

Popovic praised his entire team for the win, despite Reid’s star performance.

“We’re very happy to have these boys so connected as a team and be able to produce such a fantastic performance. I cannot individualize anybody, I think the most valuable player of this group is the team, the whole team, from the 11 on the field, to the other players on the bench and at home that want to be part of this, that want to be part of it.”

Reid a budding Canadian soccer star

After solidifying his position in the starting lineup back in April, Reid has not looked back. During Fury FC’s early struggles, Reid was one of the only bright spots with his positive forward play.

Reid, who turns 19 in August, is experiencing his second year with Fury FC on loan from FC Dallas. His potential is obvious, and people have been taking notice since he was 15.

FC Dallas selected Reid second round of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft as a 17-year-old and was scouted by European teams before that.

Reid has already shown his growth since last season as he has become an automatic starter in Popovic’s starting eleven this season.

Soon Reid should be discussed with the likes of Alphonso Davies at Vancouver Whitecaps and Liam Millar at Liverpool FC academy in England as one of the best young soccer players Canada has to offer.

What’s Next?

Fury FC stopped its losing streak in the USL after the win against Red Bulls II. The win was also important for Fury FC’s playoff aspirations as they are now three points out of eighth-place.

Before Fury FC play in the USL again, they will face AS Blainville in the Canadian Championship second qualifying round second leg on Wednesday, June 27 at 7:30 PM. Fury FC currently lead 1-0 but was lucky to come away from Laval with the win in the first leg.

AS Blainville will be up for the second leg match under the bright lights of TD Place and Fury FC cannot take its opponents lightly.

Toronto FC is next for the winner of the second qualifying round and would be a great opportunity for Fury FC to show how far they have come under Julian de Guzman and Popovic.