The San Antonio Scorpions’ playoff chances are all but over as they were defeated 1-0 by Ottawa Fury at TD Place on Sunday Afternoon. Thanks to other results, Ottawa are on the verge of claiming their maiden title, as they are well clear at the top of the fall season, while San Antonio will now need to win out and need Fort Lauderdale to lose every match.
It was an entertaining first half, despite the fact that it ended scoreless, with both goalkeepers having to be at the top of their games to keep that score line there. Ottawa had the first clear chance, in the 12th minute as Tom Heinemann was able to get in clean through but was denied by a great Daniel Fernandes one-on-one save.
The Scorpions responded and they should have had a lead on the 15th minute as Rafael Castillo found space on the edge of the box. Castillo got a powerful shot away that look destined for the top right corner but was denied by a superb Romauld Peiser.
The two keepers were consistently trying to outdo each other and in the 16th minute Fernandes looked to do better. Paolo Junior sent in a powerful shot which Fernandes dove with one arm to get to and direct it just around the post.
The goalkeeping exhibition was not done yet, and in the 28th minute Peiser was at it again as he denied Omar Cummings. The Jamaican was able to find space just outside the box and get a powerful shot away but Peiser dove to his left and made the save to keep it scoreless.
That would be the last action of a thrilling first half, which saw both goalkeepers impressing, looking to outdo each other. Those goalkeeping performances kept the match scoreless, and the second half was not quite as exciting as the first.
The goal in the match came in the 68th minute as Canadian captain Julian De Guzman was able to play a ball in for Mauro Eustaquio. He was able to take advantage of the pass and the space afforded and finally beat Fernandes to give Ottawa the lead.
That forced the Scorpions to respond and they threw men forward, but again Peiser was too good, along with the defense. The Scorpions goal scoring run came to an end in this match but an old trend returned as Eric Hassli earned a straight red in the 90th minute ending their chances.
Texas Soccer News 