The Battle of Ontario makes its debut at the Ontario Soccer Centre this Saturday as the Reds play host to their inter-provincial rival Ottawa Fury FC. To get you set here is everything you need to know about the Fury.
2017 Season:
The Fury haven’t had the smoothest of transitions from the NASL to the USL this season. The Fury currently has a 5-5-5 record on the year, and sit tied for the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. They currently have a +1 goal differential.
Current Form:
LDWLW
Loss at Louisville City (2-1)
Draw vs. New York Red Bulls 2 (2-2)
Win vs. Orlando City B (1-0)
Loss at Rochester Rhinos (1-0)
Win vs. Harrisburg City Islanders (1-)
Last time we met:
These two rivals played to a 0-0 draw in April at TD Place Stadium in the nation’s capital. Both teams had their chances to find a breakthrough but the two Canadian ‘keepers held the game scoreless.
Key Player: Ryan Williams
The Englishman is in his second season with the Fury after coming over in July of 2016. The attacking minded midfielder has made 12 appearances for the Fury this season. He leads the club in chances created (17) and assists (2). Williams has also been credited with 16 shots, of which three have gone in. Williams was a key figure in the Fury’s first leg victory over Toronto FC in the Canadian Championship. Before his time in Ottawa, Williams spent three seasons with Morecambe in League two and made an appearance for Brentford in the Championship.
Unsung Hero: Lance Rozeboom
The midfielder has started in 14 of the club’s 15 games this season. The former second round SuperDraft pick is in his second season with the Fury. The native of Walker, Iowa has previously played for the Rochester Rhinos and the Austin Aztex. Rozeboom currently leads the team with an 84.8% pass completion rating on 440 passes. Despite his involvement, the midfielder has yet to tally an assist or goal this season.
Canadian Content
Eight Canucks are currently on the Fury’s roster. Goalkeepers Callum Irving, Andrew MacRae and David Paulmin, defenders Eddie Edward, Thomas Meilleur-Giguere, and Aron Mkungilwa, midfielder Jamar Dixon and forward Carl Haworth all lace them up for the Fury.
Of the eight, Callum Irving, Jamar Dixon and Eddie Edward play the most significant roles for the Fury.
Irving has made all 15 starts in goal for the Fury this season. The native of Vancouver is in his first season with the Fury after spending his college career with the Kentucky Wildcats. The 24-year-old has made his Canadian National team debut in January in a friendly against Bermuda.
Dixon is in his second season with the Fury and has made 14 appearances for his hometown club. The midfielder played collegiately at St. Francis Xavier before heading to Europe. The 28-year-old spent time in both Finland and Sweden before returning home in 2016. Dixon has made three appearances for the Canadian National team, making his debut in a 2016 friendly against the United States.
Edward is also in his second season with the Fury after signing in June of 2016. The native of Ottawa has had a journeyman career to date. Edward has spent time in Des Moines, Kansas City (PDL), Dallas, Puerto Rico, and Edmonton in his 10-year career. Edward made two appearances with FC Dallas in 2010. The 28-year-old has made 31 (12 this season) appearances for the Fury, registering a goal.
Projected Lineup:
The Fury has recently deployed a 3-5-2 formation but played in a 3-4-3 the last time they played Toronto FC II.
Tickets for this rivalry match are still available here. Do not miss the first Battle of Ontario at the Ontario Soccer Centre.
