Earlier this year, New York Red Bulls II traveled north to face Ottawa Fury SC in an Eastern Conference matchup. Midfielder Jared Stroud’s late efforts helped NYRB II secure a point, but head coach John Wolyniec believes the club could have gained more.
“We had a chance to get three points, but it took some last-ditch efforts to not lose the game,” Wolyniec said.
Ottawa Fury SC have been on a tear as of late, gaining points in ten straight matches, which stems back to April 28. Despite the club’s past, Ottawa currently sits in sixth in the Eastern Conference standings and has had a past of performing well at MSU Soccer Park.
Ottawa has a 2-1-0 record at MSU Soccer Park, which includes a 3-0 victory last June.
“We know Ottawa is a really good team that has been getting results and can hurt you in different ways,” Wolyniec said.
Despite recent struggles for NYRB II, they have been one of the highest scoring teams in the USL Championship and have been very successful at home. They have scored 25 goals at home this season and have posted a 7-2-1 record.
“Of course, coming home after three games has to feel good, especially when we only get one point and had a game postponed. Just like before the week on the road, this heightens the importance of the result Friday,” Wolyniec said.
The match on Friday night will be an important one, especially with the Eastern Conference standings very close together.
“If we do want to fortify our position near the top we have to be at our best and be able to adjust to what Ottawa can throw at us,” Wolyniec said.