By Tyler Follett
A tired-looking Fury FC wrapped up the most hellacious month of scheduling they’ll have all season, falling to the more-rested Atlanta Silverbacks 2-1.
After a period of 14 days that included five games, as well as travelling across the continent through various time zones, Fury FC could be forgiven for looking fatigued.
With Omar Jarun, Oliver and Richie Ryan getting a rest, it was new starting lineup with Hamza Elias earning his NASL first start in midfield.
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Hamza was a spark plug in the first half, distributing the ball well and nearly scoring himself in the opening 15, but Cameroonian keeper Eric Ati stopped the Ghanaian’s shot.
Sinisa Ubiparipovic wore the armband in place of Ryan, with he and Elias leading the attack from midfield.
Both keepers were called into action early in a back and forth first half with plenty of chances for both sides. Gorrick came up big on an early Deon McCaulay shot.
Vini Dantas got the start up top with Haworth flanking him on the left, Davies on the right.
Dantas found himself one on one with the keeper later in the first half, Cameroonian Ati was sharp to stop the initial shot and the rebound.
A scary moment in the first half occurred when a Junior Burgos cross led to a heavy collision between Jaime Chavez and Devala Gorrick in the box. Gorrick did well to deal with the cross before colliding midair with the surging Chavez. Both men received medical attention but stayed in the game.
Just before half, the Silverbacks scored when McCaulay knocked home after a cross in the box.
A dejected Dos Santos was left disappointed by another first half where Fury FC created more chances and offence than the opponents but once again found themselves behind heading into the break.
An injury to Haworth early in the second half brought on Pierre-Rudolph Mayard.
Jaime Chavez would put the Silverbacks ahead 2-0 barely five minutes into the second half, off another cross.
As the game wore on, the players looked worn down, as expected given the travel and schedule, the squad’s depth has been put to test often early in this Spring season. While the effort was there in the second half, the legs were not.
Not long after the second goal, Jarun entered the game, followed by Kenny Caceros. The addition of Caceros pushed the imposing, 6’5 Jarun up top with Dantas, rather than his usual centreback.
“I used to play forward so it’s not much stress out there,” said Jarun.
“I played before I turned pro, my whole career and university at striker. Then when I turned pro in Atlanta, we had about 6 or 7 strikers so they asked me if I’d play centreback and I figured I’d give it a try.”
The Jarun-Dantas pairing proved trouble for the Silverbacks defenders and keeper on set pieces, the team’s biggest threats in the second half.
In extra time, a Ubiparipovic corner was headed home by Jarun, who earned it, proving to be too much for the Silverbacks defenders on every aerial ball.
“It’s not gonna be a regular occurrence I don’t think,” Jarun said of playing forward.
“Whenever I’m called upon to do something for the coach, I’ll do it.”
One of the biggest difficulties of the Spring season for Fury FC has been injuries causing frequent lineup changes, and a back four that often has players playing out of position. Building chemistry among the back four can be so difficult without enough regular playing time together.
“We’re still getting the feel of who’s playing where, who’s in good form and playing better than some guys,” said Jarun.
“We’re going to get better as we get to know each other. Coach is confident in everyone’s ability to step in and play a match here and there.”
Elias’ influence on the game was less noticeable in the second half as he continues to adjust to the league and continent, with his 80-minute performance his longest performance to date. He dealt with some physical defending in the first half, but it did not deter him from challenging defenders, which was an encouraging sign.
The time off now back in Ottawa before next Saturday’s home visit from the Tampa Bay Rowdies will do the squad good as they rest some tired legs.