Minnesota United falls 3-1 to Fury in Ottawa

The offensive struggles continue for Minnesota United in a second consecutive loss to the Ottawa Fury.

Minnesota United seemed to have the game relatively under control well into 80 minutes, then Ottawa once again turned the game on its head. Two quick goals by Williams (82′) and Rozeboom (86′) ensured another come-from-behind victory for the Fury over the Loons. It was stunning and disappointing for a team trying to compete this year while also transitioning to a Tier-1 future.

If there’s been a big positive for United, it’s that Jamie Watson, normally a sub, has been on fire of late. The former MLS midfielder potted his second goal in as many games with a tremendous effort early in the opening half.

Teammate Ben Speas got things started with a forward ball to star striker Christian Ramirez in the box, who one-timed a short cross to Watson who out-battled the keeper for the game’s opening goal in the 20th minute. At the half way point, Minnesota led 1-0, out-shooting the Fury 6-3, but out-possessed 58-42%.

The final 45 was all Ottawa, starting with the game-tying goal in the 57th minute from Gentile who fired near post after a failed header attempt. Sammy Ndjock and the Loons held off the Fury attack for as long as possible until the dam broke with less than eight minutes to go.

United finished the game out-shot 11-9 and out-possessed 53-47%. Watson and Speas both were handed yellow cards, as well as the Fury’s Edward.

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Goals in consecutive games also meant a second straight “Man of the Match” for Watson, who would be subbed off in the 77th minute prior to Ottawa’s offensive outburst.

Up next for Minnesota is a home match with the Jacksonville Armada on Saturday, October 1st, at 7:00 PM CT. United will be looking for a big win, and they need it. Five points outside of fourth in the Fall standings, Minnesota barely has a grip on fourth overall with 36 points to Tampa Bay’s 35. It also doesn’t help that both the Rowdies and Carolina Railhawks (33 points) have a game in hand.

Yes, with the season winding down, the Loons have reached must-win territory if they want a chance at one last NASL championship.

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