Dos Santos bids Fury adieu as Peiser signs 2-year deal
There certainly are a number of question marks surrounding Ottawa Fury FC for next season.
Two, though, have already been answered.
At a season-ending news conference Tuesday afternoon — following the Fury’s tough-luck 3-2 loss to the New York Cosmos in Sunday’s Soccer Bowl — team president John Pugh announced that goalkeeper Romuald Peiser will return on a two-year deal.
“I am thrilled to announce Romuald has signed for another two years. I and the league recognize him as being the best keeper in the league,” said Pugh to a heavily attended meeting with the media.
Peiser, 36, gained the name “Wall of Peiser” after a recordbreaking season here in Ottawa.
“I am very happy to be staying in Ottawa and returning to Fury FC for the next two years,” said the native of France.
“We have built something special here and I look forward to what we can achieve in the seasons to come.”
Peiser was awarded the 2015 North American Soccer League Golden Glove following a 15-win, 14 shutout season. Both are NASL modern-day records.
Peiser was named to the NASL’s Team of the Week six times this season and was also honoured as the player of the month twice.
Also being answered, in a somewhat roundabout way, was the destination point for outgoing head coach Marc Dos Santos.
The cat was let out of the bag earlier this fall that the Montreal native had signed with a Major League Soccer club. The question, and constant rumour-mongering surrounded just where he was headed.
“Look, you all know where I am going,” offered Dos Santos. Seemingly that location will be Sporting Kansas City where he will fill an associate coach’s role.
“I am not an ego guy,” said Dos Santos.
“I could have gone to a lot of other places, and you have to step back sometimes to move forward ...”
That loss will be tough. How tough is bound to be determined in the winter months.
There has been speculation from a number of sources that the bulk of the Fury roster will jump ship.
“He’s the main reason we came to the club,” said captain Richie Ryan, when asked about the impact of Dos Santos’s departure.
“We (weren’t offered) a lot of money ... but he sold us on it, he’s a great salesman,” added Ryan with a chuckle.
The team president indicated a head coaching search, that includes the members of the returning assistant coaching staff, is in the startup stage.
“All I can say is that the process is ongoing and it’s not over till it’s over ... We think we have a fabulous staff and that comes under consideration.”
Pugh didn’t hesitate when asked about budget constraints, and money, and the ability to attract top-end talent in light of Dos Santos’ departure.
“We do have a challenge,” said Pugh with a shrug. “The Canadian dollar has shifted considerably in the past few months. We want to keep the core together ... This year’s NASL was a lot stronger than in previous years. It’s likely to keep getting better.”
Still, Pugh was happy for Dos Santos and his new challenge.
“Life’s a journey for Marc and we’re glad we were one stop along his highway. Let’s face it, he wins wherever he goes.”
Money-wise, the Fury will face an additional challenge next season. The travel budget will have to increase as the NASL welcomes new teams in Miami, Puerto and Oklahoma City.
On the home front, Pugh said attendance at TD Place increased “just shy of 1,000” per game.
Despite the comings and goings, Richie Ryan said he’s charged about the possibilities for 2016.
“It’s important to keep that (playoff experience) and try and build on that. No point in having a season like this and falling back,” said the 30-year-old midfielder.