Fury And Supporters, Unlimited Potential

About ten minutes after the game today, once the teams had headed into the dressing room and a lot of the fans had ushered out of TD Place, I sat alone for a couple of moments in a seat reflecting on the game.

I had talked to a few members of both supporters groups (Stony Monday Riot and Bytown Boys SC) following the game and the mood was rather somber as it seemed that Ottawa had all but sealed its fate with its 3-2 loss to Minnesota, there will be no playoffs.   (Don’t get me wrong, there will still be hope among the squad and fans to pull off a miracle however reality set in today for many).

However as I sat in the stands alone I couldn’t feel anything but pride.

Fury:

The Fury squad absolutely played its ass of today as they not only deserved points on the afternoon but they completely outclassed Minnesota at times (although Fury were sloppy as well) and deserved a win.   The character and composure that the squad has found over the course of the last seven games has been phenomenal to watch.   Although through the Spring Season we saw some positive results, it seems as though the squad has actually found a comfort zone with each other where they can hold possession and utilize their attacking 4-3-3 formation.

The squad seems to not only play well together, but seem to enjoy playing  together.   The boys seems to be a tight knit group of professionals who want nothing but success for Fury, its fans and themselves.   I believe that a lot of it has to do with the character of people Dos Santos brings in (religion plays a big role in keeping the squad together and grounded) and the friendships the are building together.   (Seriously follow Nicki Paterson and Mason Trafford on twitter, it is #TopBantz)

Over recent games we have seen Heinemann, Mason and Paterson walk over to Section W to shake hands with fans and thank them for their support.   It is this kind of gesture, even after a heartbreaking loss, that shows the character and respect that the players have for each other and for the fans, a relationship that grows with every home game.

(Steve Kingsman)

It is days like today, watching the passion and fury in the coaching staff and players, that I really see hope in the future of the squad that Marc Dos Santos is building.   Not a better group of guys in the NASL! (I’ll talk all about their community involvement in another post!)

The Supporters

As I sat in the seat over looking a TD Place pitch being invaded with young fury fans looking for autographs from their favourite players,  I reflected on today’s match and the unity and strength the supporters groups showed.   Stony Monday Riot and The Bytown Boys Supporters Club both showed up in large numbers this afternoon (ticket prices dropped to $15!! contact them for details)  as they filled Section W with noise and passion.

(Steve Kingsman)

There used to be a gap between the two larger supporters group (the third smaller being Fury Ultras) in Section W, with several rows of seats remaining empty, however on this day both Stony Monday Riot and Bytown Boys SC were able to bring out support and close that gap, helping create a unified supporters section that absolutely rocked the building.

Stony Monday Riot

Following the game, a large group of supporters gathered to present new Ottawa Fury signing O’Brian Woodbine with a signed Jamaican Flag as a welcoming gift.   It is great to see the respect being given from the supporters to Woodbine before the defender has even kicked a ball for Fury. (Although he CAN kick a ball, check out the link below for a view)

There were more drums and voices out than usual today, helping back up the statements made by both Fury President John Pugh and Fury gaffer Marc Dos Santos, calling Ottawa’s support the best in the NASL.   It was fantastic to see and hear such a united Section W today as the unity (and back and forth) in the chants provided an amazing atmosphere for the 5,000+ in attendance.   Enough I’d say to warrant asking pep bands to not come back, and certainly not near the supporters section!

So congratulations to the entire Fury Family today, although we didn’t end up with the result we wanted there is certainly a very strong foundation being built for what can be an absolutely amazing club to both support and play for.   The potential of both the players and the fans is unlimited as they have a 24,000 seat stadium to fill and a very strong work ethic.

I hope to see everyone out on Wednesday as we take on Atlanta!

C’Mon You Fury!

FF-SM

Link to O`Brian Kicking! :

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