Rest, regrets in long break for the Fury
Agonizing OT loss to Minnesota front of mind for Ottawa club
Being deep in the heart of its longest break of the NASL’s Fall Season has given Ottawa Fury FC plenty of time to think.
And unfortunately for any sports club — this one included — thoughts tend to linger on its last result, particularly if the result wasn’t positive. Those negative thoughts tend to fester as well, especially when you don’t enjoy game action for 11 days.
For Ottawa, that means a very tough 2-1 loss to Minnesota United FC last Saturday, snapping a 12game unbeaten streak, is front of mind. The game-clincher came in extra time. Minnesota was handed a controversial free kick in the 94th minute and cashed in the winner.
“Obviously it’s tough to take that defeat in the manner that it happened,” offered team captain Richie Ryan. “But we only have ourselves to blame for it.
“We were much better in the second half and if we maintain that momentum going into the next game, we’ll fare better. You know if you’d told us a few months ago that we were only going to lose one game in the next 13, we would have snapped your hands off,” he added with a grin.
Head coach Marc Dos Santos believes the 11-day break benefits his club.
“It took about 48 hours for us to get over that loss, but (after that) guys were already getting sharp for training. Training Tuesday, Wednesday and today was great competitively, good mentality, good attitude,” he said.
“Maybe it was a good thing. I found that we were talking too much about the (undefeated) streak and this and that. This will allow us to refocus. The fight for the playoffs is going to be long and hard and difficult.”
Things don’t get any easier when the New York Cosmos roll into town on Wednesday night at 7 p.m. New York currently leads the overall NASL standings with 32 points in 17 games.
And despite the no-points-gained loss versus Minnesota, Ottawa remains tucked in tight with New York. The Fury has a hold on second overall with 30 total points (in 18 games).
“It’s a good measuring stick for us. ... They’re a bit more different on the road. We’ve watched them and they’re a bit more conservative,” said defender Colin Falvey. “Ideally, you would like to play again as quickly as possible, but this gives us a chance to get it out of our system ...
“I’m sure the rest though won’t do us any harm. We’ll get a few things tidied up, and we’ll enjoy a couple of days rest.”
With the added time off, the Fury chose to give both players and staff two full days away from the pitch to rest, relax and be with their families.
“After that two-day break, we have an amazing sprint,” Dos Santos said. “We have a full schedule. We’re spending in September a week and a half away from home and away from our families. We’re playing three games on the road, and mentally, we are going to have to be very strong. Mentally, it’s going to be very, very tough what lies ahead.”
Ryan believes his club is ready for the challenge.
“Anyone who has watched the New York Cosmos this year knows they’re a very talented team. But there’s a reason why we’re up there with them and that’s because we have a good amount of (talented) players as well,” he said.
Ottawa closes out its three-game home stand against the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday, Aug. 29, at 7 p.m.