Flirting with playoffs, Fury enter crucial stretch

Paul Dalglish has no doubt the parity in the United Soccer League this season must be exciting for the fans.

He’s not so sure it’s healthy for head coaches and general managers.

With Ottawa Fury FC sitting in a four-way tie for the eighth and final spot — and just five points separating seven teams from seventh all the way down to 13th — the side’s head coach would like to see his club make a separation from the pack and a move up the table over a busy month of August.

That starts with Saturday night’s home game against seventh-place Bethlehem Steel, a match that begins a stretch of six games this month over 22 days, with just three of them at TD Place.

“I think we’re in the money part of the season,” said Dalglish, knowing a win over Bethlehem would pull Fury FC into a tie with the Steel, while a loss would leave them an almost insurmountable six points back and playing for eighth with everybody else.

“Every single game this time of year is a six-pointer. The most important thing to do is not lose because … you get that point and there’s two points there they don’t get.

“The parity is fantastic for fans. But it drives you nuts as a coach and GM.”

Last week’s statement-like 2-0 win over Toronto FC II vaulted Fury FC into a four-way tie for the eighth and final playoff spot with the New York Red Bulls II, Harrisburg City Islanders and Orlando City B, all with 24 points.

More positive is Fury FC have games in hand on each of the three teams do they are tied with in the standings. Three each of New York and Harrisburg and two games on Orlando.

And Fury FC are on a sevengame unbeaten streak at TD Place with five wins and a draw. Overall, at home, Fury FC has five wins, three draws and one loss and has outscored the opposition 12-6.

That kind of run has the Fury more concerned with preparing what they can control — themselves — and less worried about who is coming in.

“It’s how (the opposition) prepare for us,” said Dalglish. “We’re not afraid of any team in this league.

“Any team that comes into Ottawa should know by now they’re coming into a lion’s den.

“The first half of the season was all about implementing the principles. The second half is about unleashing it. Now’s the time to let yourself go and fly your wings.”

The two teams previously met June 4 at Goodman Stadium in Bethlehem and played to a 1-1 draw. Special to the Citizen