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Honors End Even in Battle of Ontario

By NICHOLAS MURRAY - nicholas.murray@uslsoccer.com, 04/22/17, 4:06PM EDT

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6,502 fans see Ottawa’s Bruna miss late penalty in 0-0 draw with TFC II


Photo courtesy Freestyle Photography / Ottawa Fury FC

OTTAWA – The first edition of the USL’s Battle of Ontario between Ottawa Fury FC and Toronto FC II ended in a 0-0 draw as Fury FC’s home opener drew a crowd of 6,502 fans at TD Place. Fury FC had the best chance of the contest, but Gerardo Bruna hit the post with a penalty kick inside the final 10 minutes to leave honors even. Fury FC created the first big chance in the 37th minute when a cross by Andrae Campbell set up Steevan Dos Santos for a strong finish, but TFC II goalkeeper Angelo Cavalluzzo was able to make the save and his defense did enough to clear. Toronto began to get a stronger foothold in the game after the break, but Fury FC continued to be more dangerous. Campbell was denied by a good save from Cavalluzzo in the 61st minute as he surged into the left side of the penalty area, but was then sent off with eight minutes to go for an off-the-ball incident after Fury FC had been awarded a penalty kick. Ottawa’s Gerardo Bruna then hit the left post with his spot kick to keep the game scoreless, giving Toronto a reprieve. Despite being down to 10 men Fury FC had efforts by Ryan Williams and Tucker Hume both saved late on.  

Scoring: 
None

Three Things That Matter:

  • 1. The first meeting between Ottawa Fury FC and Toronto FC II ended with honors even, and the hosts will probably be disappointed to not have found a way to earn victory in the USL’s first edition of the Battle of Ontario after a late penalty miss by Gerardo Bruna left the game scoreless. Ottawa had the better chances of the two sides, and forced Toronto goalkeeper Angelo Cavalluzzo into four saves to Fury FC goalkeeper Callum Irving’s none, but when Bruna’s effort from the spot came back off the left post, the best chance of the contest went begging and left Toronto with a share of the points.

  • 2. Ottawa looked most dangerous in the contest when it pushed up the left side, with the combination of Andrae Campbell and Onua Obasi linking up well to allow the hosts to attack at speed. Campbell created the best Fury FC chance in the first half, his teasing cross through the penalty area finding Steevan Dos Santos for a fierce effort from the right side of the area, and the Jamaican also had a dangerous chance of his own in the second half denied at the near post. Campbell’s impetuous punch on Mitchell Taintor that resulted in his ejection ruined what had been a good day previous.

  • 3. Toronto FC II’s defense had plenty to deal with in the shape of Steevan Dos Santos and his Fury FC cohorts, but for the most part the back three of Jelani Peters, Mitchell Taintor and Brandon Aubrey dealt with the challenges they faced well. The trio combined for 14 clearances, only one of which came from outside the penalty area prior to Peters’ substitution in the 79th minute. Earning a second consecutive shutout – albeit earned with a slice of luck thanks to Gerardo Bruna’s penalty kick miss – will provide a good platform as TFC II faces a massive test in Louisville next Saturday.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

Brandon Aubrey, Toronto FC II – Aubrey recorded eight clearances in the contest as Toronto was able to thwart Ottawa’s attack to earn a second consecutive shutout.

Upcoming Games:
Ottawa Fury FC at Charleston Battery – April 29, 7 p.m. ET, MUSC Health Stadium
Toronto FC II at Louisville City FC – April 29, 7:30 p.m. ET, Slugger Field

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