By Tyler Follett: Oliver Minatel helped make history as he recorded Ottawa Fury FC’s first ever brace in the club’s first win as they defeated the Carolina Railhawks 4-0 Saturday in a dominating performance from start to finish.
A crowd of 2,158, that included Oliver’s parents visiting from his native Brazil, turned up on a rainy afternoon, giving the man of the match a standing ovation on his exit by substitution in the 80th minute.
“I’m very happy to score and dedicate those goals to them. And they’re going back tomorrow. Very lucky,” said Oliver.
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Oliver heads home the first goal of the day off a Philippe Davies corner kick in the rain at Keith Harris Stadium. Tyler Follett photo
Luck played little part in the day’s result, as Fury FC carried the play from the opening whistle.
The team received good news ahead of kickoff, with the return of Sinisa Ubiparipovic and Omar Jarun from injuries.
Ubiparipovic went the full 90 and looked strong in midfield, linking up well with Oliver and Davies. Jarun was a late game sub for Andres Fresenga in a warm up for Wednesday’s second leg Voyageurs Cup match at FC Edmonton.
Davies had the game’s first chance in the 5th minute with a cracker from range that forced Fitzgerald into action early.
Fitzgerald would have himself a busy game, as the Railhawks defense struggled to contain Oliver, Davies and Haworth early.
After a Philippe Davies corner in the 34th minute, Oliver headed home his first of the day, after extended forays in the Carolina final third.
In the 41st minute, Railhawk defender Kupono Low was fortunate to only receive a yellow for a rash challenge on Carl Haworth, kicking the Canadian in the back after some incidental contact.
Maykon appeared to suffer a thigh injury and departed for Ramon Soria just before half time, with his health a question mark heading into a week with two important games.
Fury FC continued to carry the play after the break, with Philippe Davies becoming the first Canadian to score for the nation’s capital’s professional team.
A streaking Oliver found Davies wide open at the far post, which he then slotted home.
With a goal and an assist, and some encouraging linkups with Oliver and Sinisa, Davies continued his strong play as he looks to secure a starting spot on a Fury FC squad getting healthier and healthier.
Davies is part of a group of five Canadians that started in the game for Fury FC, with Mason Trafford, Andres Fresenga, Drew Beckie and Carl Haworth impressing as well.
“Canada needs Canadian players playing at the highest level possible. And we’re able to,” said coach Marc Dos Santos.
Jarun entering the game was an encouraging sign, with the defender playing 30 minutes and looking comfortable.
He’ll be tasked with keeping Tomi Ameobi and Frank Jonke off the score sheet Wednesday.
Oliver finished the brace with a goal in the 72nd minute putting the game out of reach with a sublime finish. He also seemed to score a wundergoal in the 63rd but the ball actually went in off a Railhawks defender. It was credited as an own-goal upon match review by the NASL officials.
Oliver and Sinisa will be a thing to watch. They repeatedly made the Railhawk defense look like they were standing still.
Devala Gorrick wasn’t tested often in net but he was big when he had to be to earn the shutout, his second clean sheet in a row.
The quality of the opposition was not lost on Marc Dos Santos, as the Railhawks are an NASL powerhouse.
“We beat a very good side that was five games without losing, won 17 games home, and we were very good today. We know what we’re doing, we know what we’re building, we know what we’re capable of. And today we just we were able to put everything on the field,” said Dos Santos.
The message has been the same since the start of training camp, that Fury FC are a strong side that will compete, and they have.
Aside from Oliver, the Canadian content in the starting lineup impressed the coaching staff.
“I think the CSA too has to be happy about that, we beat a team that didn’t have any Canadians in their side and we were good,” said Dos Santos.
The offensive explosion is sure to give a boost to a team that will be looking to break down a stingy FC Edmonton defense, having allowed only three goals in four games to date.
Fury FC know a 1-1 draw has them through, and against an Eddies squad that has only one goal in four, they will be playing for the goal.
“It gives us the confidence to go in now and win more matches. Now we’re going in very strong on Wednesday and I’m sure we can win there too,” said Oliver.
The message after the game was to enjoy the moment, while keeping an eye on the task ahead.
“This group of players deserved this day, a special one that we’ll never forget. We have to stay focused on our target,” said Dos Santos.