ST Vini Dantas had a well-taken solo goal in the 20th minute, driving up the middle and slaloming past a couple defenders before slotting it home, and then CM Nicki Paterson finished off one of the nicest team moves by the Fury players this season in the 33rd minute. The play started with Dantas flicking the ball gorgeously to the right side for RW Oliver, who was left open to slide the ball across the 6-yard box for Paterson to run onto and finish with aplomb.
The win solidifies Ottawa’s 8th place in the combined NASL standings, and still leaves the Fury with a mathematical chance at one of the 4 playoff spots, though it will take a miracle at this point, with numerous teams fighting it out for 4th place, and with Ottawa 8 points out of 4th place with 5 games remaining.
Starting Lineup
The starting lineup was significantly changed from the Sunday game vs. Minnesota, with no less than 5 changes to the starting XI.
While GK Romuald Peiser retained his spot at net, the defense saw 2 changes, with CB Omar Jarun coming in for Drew Beckie, and in a more surprising move, O’Brian Woodbine, a natural RB, coming in at LB in place of Ramon Soria for his club debut.
In midfield, Paterson came in for Sinisa Ubiparipovic, who has been carrying a minor knock. Up front, LW Carl Haworth made a return to the starting XI for the first time in a month for P.R. Mayard, while Dantas started in place of Tom Heinemann.
CSN OFFC MotM
ST Vini Dantas for an excellent goal and a sumptuous flick that led to the 2nd goal, with honourable mentions to CM Nicki Paterson and LB O’Brian Woodbine.
Lineups and Stats
Ottawa (4-3-3) – Peiser 7; Woodbine 8, Trafford 7, Jarun 8, Richter 7; Paterson 8, Ryan © 7, Donatelli 8; Haworth 8, Dantas 9, Oliver 8
Atlanta (4-2-3-1) – Ati; Roushandel (Gonzalez 87′), A. Bangura, Canovas, Espinoza; Gavin, Poku; Sandoval, Cruz (Burgos 80′), Rivera; Chavez (S. Bangura 70′)
Ottawa Subs – Davies 8 (Oliver 70′), Heinemann 7 (Dantas 72′), Mayard (Haworth 90′)
Ottawa Goals: Dantas (20′), Paterson (33′); Assists: Dantas, Oliver (33′)
Atlanta Goals: None
Atlanta Red Card: Burgos (89′)
Ottawa Injuries and Suspensions: None
You can follow Namu Yoon on Twitter at @BBSC_SeoulBro, and his blog on Ottawa Fury FC at OFFCReview.wordpress.com, and at @OFFCReview.