BRADENTON, Fla. --- FC Cincinnati took a first-half lead but conceded a goal in the second period to end action at IMG Academy with a 1-1 tie against USL newcomer, Ottawa Fury FC, Saturday.
Djiby Fall scored a goal in his second straight game, jumping on a cross from Tyler Polak in stoppage time to give FC Cincinnati its first lead of the preseason. Andy Craven forced the turnover in the Fury’s defensive third to earn the free kick and set the scene.
“We continue to give all of our players opportunities this preseason,” said Head Coach Alan Koch. “Some are stepping up and showing that they will be major players for us this year. I was very pleased with our defensive effort in the first half today. We saw major growth in that area this week. We look dangerous going forward and have the players to score consistently. We have another big preparation week ahead of us and will continue to move in the right direction.”
The Ottawa offense had to deal with a swarming FCC defense most of the match but broke through with a goal in the 69th minute as Carl Haworth picked up on a loose ball and took a shot from 25-yards out, putting the ball past Mitch Hildebrandt.
The first half belonged to FCC as the club dictated the action early and had their first chance at the goal in the ninth minute. Polak sparked the play with a cross into the box off a set piece and Kenney Walker jumped on the ball with a shot that tested goalie Andrew McCrae. FCC followed with a second shot off the rebound but that attempt sailed high.
Tucker Hume saw his first chance for Ottawa in the 20th minute, with a header on a cross from Ryan Williams but his effort dropped wide.
In the 32nd minute, FCC forced a turnover on Ottawa’s side of the field and looked to capitalize, but the Fury’s defense collapsed and the Orange and Blue was unable to get off a shot.
Kadeem Dacres looked for the go-ahead goal in the 74th minute, launching across the field with a diving header on the cross from Jimmy McLaughlin but saw his shot stifled by goalie Callum Irving.
It was Dacres again, who keyed an FCC opportunity a minute later as the forward carried the ball forward and was tripped up near the edge of the box. Aodhan Quinn and Jimmy McLaughlin both positioned themselves to take the kick and it was Quinn, who hit the ball squarely, but sent it over the crossbar.
FCC threatened again as Victor Mansaray earned a corner kick in the 81st minute. Austin Berry worked to get on the end of the cross with a header but had his attempt blocked.
FCC will resume preseason action Sat., Mar. 4 when the club travels to Western Division side, Sacramento Republic FC, at 8:30 p.m. (ET).
Starting lineups
FCC: Mitch Hildebrandt, Pat McMahon, Paul Nicholson, Tyler Polak, Marco Dominguez, Andy Craven Corben Bone, Kenney Walker, Eric Stevenson, Djiby Fall
OTT: Andrew McCrae, Ryan Williams, Tucker Hume, Carl Haworth, Aron Mkungilwa, Lance Rozeboom, Jonathan Barden, Jamar Dixon, Onua Obasi, Ramon Martin del Campo, Shane McEleney
Goals
45th: Djiby Fall (Tyler Polak) - FCC
69th Carl Haworth - OTT
