By Tyler Follett
Ottawa Fury FC fought back to earn a hard-fought 1-1 draw against the Tampa Bay Rowdies.
Despite strong winds, sun and high temperature provided the best weather yet for a home game so far.
It was an effort that could have just as easily turned into three points for the team, if not for some impressive saves from Rowdies keeper Matt Pickens, a seven-year veteran of MLS.
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Oliver returned to the starting lineup after being rested against the Silverbacks, slotting into his usual spot on the left wing, joined up top by Vini Dantas and Carl Haworth on the right flank.
Richie Ryan and Omar Jarun also made returns to the starting lineups, as Fury FC played their top squad available, with Nicki Paterson, Maykon and Tom Heinemann still sidelined by injuries.
Ramon Soria had a standout game filling in for Maykon, nearly scoring a late winner following some nice passing just outside the Rowdies box.
The first half featured bundles of chances for both sides, including two penalties, one for each side, in the span of five minutes.
The teams felt each other out in the opening 20. Carl Haworth showed some impressive speed on the wing, especially when tracking back and defending. His speed and tenacity more than make up for his size, winning nearly every contested ball down the flank.
Neither Gorrick nor Pickens were really challenged until the penalty parade.
Oliver took the first penalty of the day, as well as Fury FC’s first one ever, after a handball by Rowdies captain Frank Sanfilippo just inside the box.
Rowdies keeper Matt Pickens dove to stop a strong effort from Oliver with an incredible save, sending the ball off the post and out.
“Matt (Pickens), it’s his third penalty save in five games. I don’t know what he has, a little bit of a magic wand,” said Dos Santos of the impressive stat.
Minutes later, with the Rowdies on the counter attack, Jarun grabbed a hold of a streaking Lucky Mkosana, impeding him enough to draw the penalty.
Bulgarian international Georgi Hristov slotted home to give the Rowdies an early lead.
It was a penalty that angered Fury FC players, with Drew Beckie and Jarun getting cautioned, Beckie seemingly for his protest against the call.
“I was a little blocked in my view. The guys say it’s no way a PK, they’re a little bit upset, but you have to move on,” said Fury FC coach Marc Dos Santos.
“After three yellows you miss the next game and (Beckie’s) at 2 already. So it’s maybe not a good card but I’ll have to see it.”
In the span of five minutes, Fury FC went from looking sure to open the scoring, only to find themselves down before half.
The team responded in the best way possible however, not altering their game despite the score line.
Fury FC had the Rowdies on their heels as the end of the first half neared, earning corner after corner.
In the 38th minute, after a third consecutive corner, Tony Donatelli finished a cross from skip Ryan.
It was the first goal of the season for Donatelli, who has been a key part of the Fury FC midfield this season, particularly with all the injuries suffered. His play has been consistent in a season and league where few consistencies are made possible.
“It’s tough, cause there’s guys in and out of the lineup. But there are a lot of good players on this team so it just takes a little bit of time to gel,” said Donatelli.
“It’s gonna take time, especially for a new team, but we’re stepping in the right direction.”
The second half started slow, with the Rowdies controlling the play for opening 15. At that point, Fury FC asserted themselves in the half, suddenly carrying the play.
The team earned a number of nice chances, with Jarun nearly capitalizing on a set piece, and Soria with two chances of his own.
The best came in the 85th minute when, just outside the box, Soria played a give and go with Sinisa Ubiparipovic.
The result was Soria alone in the box with the ball, only to have his shot stopped by Pickens.
In the 89th minute, Carl Haworth won a 50-50 ball that sent the defender flying, looking for a call. He then took on another defender who met the same fate, planted in the turf.
The ref called Haworth on the second one, but it’s great to see that level of intensity and fearlessness in the 89th minute.
The final whistle signaled relief for the Rowdies, who were fortunate not to give up a late winner.
Dos Santos was impressed with how the team responded following the adversity of missing a PK and then giving one up.
“I think you have to look at everything. The character of the team after conceding, it’s so tough when you have a PK and the guy saves it,” said Dos Santos.
2,164 fans attended the game, which competed with game 5 of the Bruins-Habs series.
After the game, Dos Santos stressed the importance of the team being involved in the community, which they have done in spades thus far, making themselves available.
“Winning is important but the most important thing I keep telling everybody is results only don’t bring people to come and see the franchise. What brings people here to the stadium and everything is the way you’re in the city, the way you’re involved in the community, the way you’re out there,” said Dos Santos, before returning to the discussion of the team’s form.
“We’re showing a sign that we can compete against everybody, now can we win against everybody? That’s the next step.”