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Fury FC Grabs Late Draw with NYRB II

By NICHOLAS MURRAY - nicholas.murray@uslsoccer.com, 06/24/17, 4:16PM EDT

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Season-high crowd of 7,780 at TD Place thrilled by Dixon's tally


Photo courtesy Steve Kingsman / Freestyle Photography / Ottawa Fury FC

OTTAWA – Jamar Dixon’s header in the fourth minute of stoppage time gave Ottawa Fury FC a 2-2 draw with the New York Red Bulls II in front of a season-high crowd of 7,780 at TD Place on Saturday afternoon. Dixon converted off a corner from the right by Carl Haworth to earn Fury FC (5-4-5, 20pts) a point after New York had scored twice in two minutes around the hour-mark to take the lead. The visitors almost opened the scoring in the fourth minute as Vincent Bezecourt forced a good save by Fury FC goalkeeper Callum Irving on a shot to the top-right corner, but the hosts went ahead six minutes later as Ryan Williams volleyed home Sito Seoane’s floated cross from the right at the back post. Williams went close to a second three minutes into the second half as his free kick clipped the crossbar, but after a strong spell of pressure Red Bulls II (5-7-3, 18pts) earned their equalizer just past the hour-mark, as a low cross by Justin Bilyeu was hammered home by Zeiko Lewis. A minute later New York had the lead as Bezecourt played in Brandon Allen for his eighth goal of the season. Williams threatened an equalizer with seven minutes to go for Fury FC as his free kick went just over the crossbar, but Dixon’s late heroics left Fury FC’s fans elated, and the Red Bulls II deflated.

Scoring: 
10’ – OTT – Ryan Williams (Sito Seoane)
61’ – NY – Zeiko Lewis (Justin Bilyeu)
62’ – NY – Brandon Allen (Vincent Bezecourt)
90+’ OTT – Jamar Dixon (Carl Haworth)

Three Things That Matter:

  • 1. Ottawa got out to an ideal start thanks to Ryan Williams’ early goal, and the midfielder came close to scoring what might have been a decisive second goal in the 48th minute when Williams hit the crossbar with a tremendous effort on a free kick. Fury FC had to scramble late to get something out of the game in the end, though, as while those chances were positives, the Red Bulls II were the better side for much of the game and split apart their defense enough to have taken victory themselves. Ottawa is in good shape in terms of playoff position, but it will need to be sharper as it visits Louisville next weekend.

  • 2. New York’s two goals in two minutes to take the lead around the hour-mark were certainly deserved, as the visitors had carried much of the play and created more chances throughout the contest. The Red Bulls II’s passing wasn’t always in sync, but the passing and movement to finally break through as Justin Bilyeu’s low cross was put home precisely by Zeiko Lewis was top level, as was the through-ball by Vincent Bezecourt to set up Brandon Allen. After two goalless outings, New York’s attack seems to be closer to where it is expected to be.

  • 3. The Red Bulls II’s defense has been its Achilles' heel all season, and after appearing having done enough to hold on for a big victory a late letdown allowed Fury FC to grab a point at the death through Jamar Dixon’s unmarked header from a corner. As the season nears its midway points, New York now sits on the outside of the playoff positions as its strong attacking performances are being squandered, something that will have to be addressed going forward.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

Vincent Bezecourt, New York Red Bulls II – Bezecourt recorded a league-leading seventh assist, and also created four more scoring chances as the Red Bulls II had the upper hand until Fury FC’s late equalizer.

Upcoming Games:
Ottawa Fury FC
at Louisville City FC – July 1, 7:30 p.m. ET, Slugger Field
New York Red Bulls II vs. Saint Louis FC – July 1, 4 p.m. ET, MSU Soccer Park

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