With both teams subject to distracting 2017 talk, the Ottawa Fury host Minnesota United FC as both teams look to finish the season strong. Ottawa has the upper hand coming off a late win over Minnesota last week. And Minnesota will look to make sure this rematch turns out differently.
Minnesota still has its slim lead for the final playoff spot over Fort Lauderdale, Tampa Bay, and Miami. Ottawa has improved for the Fall Season with last week’s victory over the Loons supporting their return to form.
Recent Form
| Ottawa | D | D | D | D | W | +1 GD |
1.4 PPG |
| MNUFC | D | D | W | L | L | -1 GD |
1.0 PPG |
Ottawa is undefeated in its last five matches and looks to continue that streak. Minnesota has stumbled and seeks revenge for its loss to the Fury.
Previous Meetings
Minnesota holds a 4-2-3 record in the all-time series and a 3-1-2 record when playing in Ottawa.
The two faced off last week in Blaine. The Loons took a lead into the 80th minute, only to see Ottawa score two late goals and return to Canada with a 3-2 and the full three points. Jamie Watson scored the opening goal, only for Ottawa’s Giuseppe Gentile to equalize five minutes later. After a called foul in the box, Christian Ramirez slotted home a penalty kick to give Minnesota the 2-1 halftime lead. Ottawa continued to threaten in the second half. And in the 85th minute, they finally broke through with Ryan Williams’s goal. Not content with a draw, Danny Mwanga put the Fury ahead for good in the 88th minute.
Roster Report
Jeb Brovsky injured his heel in training on Wednesday and is doubtful for tomorrow. In addition, both Greg Jordan and Bernardo Añor remain out due to injury. Danny Cruz is fully fit and available for the Loons.
Statistical Notes
In the Fall Season, there has been little to differentiate Ottawa and Minnesota in terms of scoring or results. Another evenly contested match is likely to occur. Last week, Ottawa was more active down its left, attacking the goal via the wings. However, the Fury scored primarily from its less frequent right-sided entries.
Minnesota, for its part, had the bulk of its attack funneled through Ben Speas and Ramirez, with Speas playing in a withdrawn forward role. Between the two, they accounted for nearly 80% of the key passes and assists. Minnesota as a whole was ineffective in getting into the final third and will need to improve on that if they wish to challenge Ottawa.
The match begins at 6:00 p.m. CDT and will air on My29
Leave a Reply