Ottawa Fury FC’s Streak Comes to an End as Week 7 of Fall Season Wraps Up
Soccer News: Ottawa Fury FC appeared to be on its way to salvaging a point and extending its unbeaten streak to 13 games, but Minnesota United FC midfielder Daniel Mendes had other ideas as the Loons escaped with a 2-1 victory in Week 7 of the North American Soccer League (NASL) Fall Season on Saturday night.
In front of a spirited crowd of 6,899 at Ottawa’s TD Place, Mendes scored on a free kick from about 25 yards out to earn visiting Minnesota a dramatic victory deep into second-half stoppage time. Minnesota grabbed an early lead when forward Christian Ramirez scored his seventh goal in as many games. Andrew Wiedeman drew Ottawa level midway through the second half, but Mendes shocked the home team and gave the Loons three precious points on the road.
At Shuart Stadium in Hempstead, N.Y., the Cosmos have fashioned their own streak of sorts. After winning the Spring Season with an unbeaten record, the Cosmos opened the Fall Season by stumbling in their first three games. But now the club has not lost in five matches, three of them victories, including the 2-1 decision over San Antonio on Saturday night, and are now unbeaten in 16 league games at home. The winning goal came on an own goal scored by Scorpions defender Brad Rusin, and the win pushed the Cosmos to the top of the league’s Combined Standings, two points ahead of Ottawa.
In the night’s other two games, Jacksonville won its second straight at home, handing visiting Atlanta its first loss in five games with a 1-0 victory. In the southern part of the state, Fort Lauderdale received goals from Stefano Pinho and James Marcelin on its way to a 2-1 Coastal Cup win over Tampa Bay.
New York Cosmos 2, San Antonio Scorpions 1
The Scorpions took the lead in first-half stoppage time when Billy Forbes, the most dangerous player on the field in the first 45 minutes, took the ball to the end line and crossed for Milton Palacios, who hit it first time past New York goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer. Seconds later, the Cosmos caught the San Antonio defense ball-watching. Raúl slammed a left-footed shot off the crossbar, but Leo Fernandes pounced on the bouncing rebound and headed it into the empty net. The Cosmos took the lead only two minutes into the second half on an own goal by Scorpions defender Brad Rusin from Hunter Freeman‘s free kick. Freeman has been involved in the winning goal in the Cosmos last three victories. Marcos Senna made his first appearance of the Fall Season for the Cosmos when he replaced Andrés Flores in the 65th minute.
Minnesota United FC 2, Ottawa Fury FC 1
With 6,899 looking on at TD Place, visiting Minnesota took a 1-0 lead in the 17th minute when Christian Ramirez stole the ball near midfield, hauled the ball into the Ottawa penalty area and calmly slotted a right-footed shot past Romuald Peiser inside the far post. Ramirez has now scored a goal in seven consecutive games. Andrew Wiedeman, who scored twice last week, tied the game in the 74th minute when he turned on a ball after a scramble in front of the Loons’ net. Daniel Mendes ended Ottawa’s unbeaten run at 12 games when his free kick from about 25 yards out kissed the far post and slid into the goal in second-half stoppage time.
Fort Lauderdale Strikers 2, Tampa Bay Rowdies 1
The Strikers jumped on top only four minutes into Saturday night’s Coastal Cup match when Brazilian youngster Stefano Pinho scored his eighth goal of the year. The Rowdies scored the equalizer in the 19th minute, and it was Georgi Hristov playing the role of provider. The Bulgarian veteran sent a free kick into the six-yard box where Maicon Santos gently tipped it past Josh Ford with the outside of his left foot. Fort Lauderdale regained the lead late in the first half on a goal by James Marcelin.
Jacksonville Armada FC 1, Atlanta Silverbacks 0
Late in the first half, Jacksonville’s Shawn Nicklaw took a through ball to the end line and hit a cross that was parried by Atlanta goalkeeper Steward Ceus. Unfortunately for Ceus and the Silverbacks, the ball fell right to Jaime Castrillón, who scored to make it 1-0 before 7,054 at Community First Park. After a rocky start to the Fall Season, Jacksonville has now won two straight – both shutouts – after blanking Carolina, 3-0, on Wednesday. The loss snapped Atlanta’s unbeaten run at four games.
