Photo credit: Atlanta United 2 / Charleston Battery USL
Ottawa Fury visited Atlanta United 2 yesterday to finish the remaining 46 minutes left in the match the two teams started on June 16 that was cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.
The match was left at 1-1 and picked up in the 44th minute of the first-half. Fury FC looked likely to go on and get all three points if they continued the match back on June 16, but because of the odd circumstances, it was difficult for either team to get in a rhythm yesterday at Fifth Third Bank Stadium.
All but an Adonijah Reid effort off the near post, there was little to note during the 46 minutes and the game ended as it starter, 1-1.
Busy August ahead
Ottawa Fury continues its busy schedule during the remained of August. July was also busy for Fury FC as Head Coach Nikola Popovic had to balance between USL competition and the Canadian Championship.
Popovic commented about the difficult schedule after a recent match against Louisville City, “In fifteen days [Fury FC] have played five games.”
Popovic’s team have a similar challenge ahead with its next five matches played within a span of sixteen days from August 10 to 25, which includes matches against Nashville SC, Richmond Kickers, Indy Eleven, Bethlehem Steel and Penn FC.
Still, the games need to be played and Fury FC will need to get results in August, especially against teams like Indy, Bethlehem and Nashville who are in direct competition with Fury FC for one of the eight playoff spots in the Eastern Conference.
Boost from new additions and players returning from injury
Fury FC has been able to take advantage of the North American summer transfer window bringing in three players to help with the team’s depth.
Daniel Haber came to Ottawa from Cincinnati FC where he was getting little playing time. The Canadian international with experience playing at the highest levels in Israel and Cyprus has given Popovic another option on the wing. He has been regularly used as a substitute since his arrival and even started two games against Toronto FC and Nashville back in July.
From Vitré, in France’s fourth tier, comes former Montreal Impact and Canadian national team player Jérémy Gagnon-Laparé. He has already shown his versatility playing in midfield and defence coming in for Cristian Portilla against Tampa Bay and starting at left-back for a suspended Onua Obasi in the second leg against Toronto FC. He will serve as a valuable utility player that is capable of slotting in in different positions and gives Popovic tactical flexibility.
Ottawa Fury’s most recent addition is Daniel Kinumbe from Montreal Impact Academy. The 19-year-old Canadian defender most recently represented Canada at the 2018 Toulon Tournament, which is an annual international U-21 tournament that hosts some of the best soccer nations in the world. It will be interesting to see if the young Canadian is used by Popovic, especially with the lack of bodies in defence. He was an unused substitute in the continued match against Atlanta United 2.
Also, today, August 8 being the last day of the summer transfer window, there might be a last-minute signing on the cards for General Manager Julian de Guzman, especially as former Newcastle United and Burnley player David Edgar has been seen training with Fury FC for the past week.
In addition to Fury FC’s new signings, the team will get a boost from the return of club captain Carl Haworth from injury. He was an influential part of Fury FC’s success earlier in the season and will surely be happy to be back after missing seven matches with an ankle injury.
What’s next?
Fury FC will travel to Music City next to play Nashville SC on Friday, August 10, at First Tennessee Park then will return home to host Richmond Kickers on Wednesday, August 15, at TD Place.
The match against Nashville will be of extra importance as both teams sit seventh and eight tied on points (31) with Fury FC only ahead with more wins in the season so far. The two teams faced off back in July where Fury FC was able to prevail with two late goals in injury time. Nashville will be looking to get revenge for that tough defeat.