Ottawa Fury News Release - www.ottawafury.com
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
OTTAWA, Ont. - The Ottawa Fury unveiled their 2012 W-League Championship banner in a special pregame ceremony at their home opener, but the visiting Laval Comets put a damper on the celebrations by capturing their first win against the Fury, downing the reigning champions 1-0.
Catherine Charron-Delage capitalized on a defensive error from Liz Milne in the 17th minute and Genevieve Richard stood tall in the Laval goal, sending the Fury to their second consecutive home loss, dating back to 2012.
The first half started with both sides jockeying for possession and control as the rivals felt each other out in their first meeting of the young W-League season. While the Fury had the majority of possession to start, they were unable to break through a disciplined Laval side that gave the Fury little time and space in the midfield.
Charron-Delage opened the scoring in the 17th minute after a high ball eluded defender Liz Milne, who fell, allowing Charron-Delage in on a breakaway, beating Jasmine Phillips low. The duration of the first half saw much of the same with the two sides exchanging possession and showing that it would be a low-scoring defensive affair.
Leading 1-0 after the opening 45, the Comets came out brighter to start the second half with substitute Nkemjika Ezurike proving an always-dangerous opponent. Phillips was forced to make an outstanding save off a Comets corner, stopping a sure goal to keep the Fury’s deficit at one.
A short time later Ezurike snuck behind the Fury back line and was in alone with Phillips, but poked the ball wide of the open goal. Fury Head Coach Dom Oliveri went to his bench and substitute Tessa Gavilsky almost pulled the Fury level, but her header sailed agonizingly over the bar.
The Fury pressed with several waves of crosses and long balls, but the back line of the Comets and the defensive play of Sarah Robbins in the midfield proved too much for the Fury offense that was shut out for the second consecutive game. The Fury will have a few days to regroup before facing the London Gryphons on Saturday at 7 p.m. at Algonquin College where, despite dropping their past two regular season home games, they are 32-3-2.