Fury Wait Till Next Year

The Ottawa Fury Women led FC Indiana by two goals to one in the 92nd minute of regular time this evening and looked set to win the W-League Central Conference championships and a berth in the North American championships next week in Virginia Beach. However, a last minute goal from Spanish international Laura Del Rio would thwart a fine performance by the Fury and send the game into 30 minutes of overtime. FC Indiana would turn out eventual 4-3 winners and move onto the finals. The Fury season ends with a record of 14-2-0.

With both teams going into the game with 13 wins in 14 games both sides showed a lot of respect for each other in the early going. Long shots from Laura Sesselmann for Indiana and Lisa-Marie Woods for the Fury were easily dealt with by the goalkeepers. Both teams were strong on the franks with Del Rio and the Fury¹s Jodie Taylor looking dangerous whenever they had possession. FC Indiana would take the lead when a cross from the left was met by Kelly Parker at the back post. Her header was parried by Fury keeper Erin Reinke but only into the path of the onrushing Sesselmann who scored from close range. The Fury thought they had equalized soon after when a cross from the right was powerfully headed he by Lisa-Marie Woods. The goal was disallowed for offside as another Fury player was in an offside position and considered active on the play. The Fury would finish the half strongly with Taylor a constant threat but left the field still trailing 1-0.

The Fury took command of the second half and it was no surprise when Anna Caniglia unleashed a fierce free kick which was deflected against the far post and into the net in the 61st minute. Six minutes later the Fury were ahead when Jennifer Hance powered in a corner from Caniglia. The Fury were playing confidently and would hold the lead right into time added on by the officials. FC Indiana changed formation and piled on the pressure in the latter segments of the game. Finally with stoppage time running down, the ball broke favorably for Del Rio and she took full advantage by slotting home past Reinke. A devastating blow for the Fury who with only seconds left had Virginia Beach in their sights.

The first period of extra time was even with both teams looking remarkably strong after such a punishing game. The game was changed on a moment of magic from Del Rio who came inside on a run from the right and curled a superbly placed shot into the top corner of the Fury net. The Fury now pushed further forward and left gaps at the bag. South African Veronica Phewa took advantage in the 103rd minute when clear to beat Reinke with a firm shot and give Indiana a two goal cushion. The Fury refused to lie down and in the second period of extra time, Jodie Taylor converted a spot kick after a hand ball was given. The game ended with FC Indiana edging the Fury by 4-3.

Indiana now advance to the W-League North American Championships to be held in Virginia Beach, VA. Semi-finals will be played next Thursday with the Championship Finals to be held on Saturday. The championship tournament will feature Indiana (Central Conference), Washington Freedom (Eastern Conference and Holders), Seattle Sounders ( Western Conference) and Pali Blues (2008 Regular Season champions). In the semi-finals Indiana will play Seattle while Washington play Pali Blues.