North Carolina FC at Ottawa Fury: Just like the good ole days
Two teams struggling with just four points after eight games both need a win on Saturday night in Canada.
This Saturday in Ottawa, two teams meet in a reunion of sorts for old NASL foes. North Carolina FC and the Ottawa Fury faced each other nine times between 2014 and 2016, and both will come into this game feeling they desperately need a win.
The Fury are still sitting on zero points for the 2018 campaign having been smacked around by Charlotte and Tampa Bay, and they again look like they will be relying on a closed system to remain in the second tier of US Soccer.
North Carolina FC sits at a bit of a turning point. “Seven points after six games and points in three straight” has a far different tone to it than “four points in six games coming off a loss.”
What to watch for
The Dead Whales have kept two clean sheets in a row. I see no reason at all why they shouldn’t make it three. Ottawa has scored one goal in three games, in their opener in Matthews.
On the other hand, if we fail to score against Ottawa, then consider me as concerned as I can possibly be. Ottawa have given up ten goals in three games. We should be able to own possession and overpower them.
Ottawa key players
José Enrique “Sito” Seoane has scored Ottawa’s only goal this season, so… him?
Maxime Crepeau replaced Callum Irving in goal for their last match and the Fury only conceded one goal compared to the nine they gave up in their first two games.
Form
North Carolina FC: L | W | D
Ottawa Fury: L | L | L
Head-to-Head
The two clubs have played each other nine times. North Carolina FC has won three, drawn twice, and lost four.
Prediction
I don’t think we’ll get blanked two games in a row. Expect us to own most of the ball and to do a better job generating shots than we did against Toronto FC II. NCFC 2, Ottawa Fury 0.
Game Info
North Carolina FC at Ottawa Fury, Saturday, April 21, 2:00 p.m., TD Place Stadium, Ottawa, Canada.
How to watch: Don’t forget — USL games have now moved to ESPN+, the sports network’s subscription plan. You can get a 30-day free trial now, then it’s $4.99 per month.
