Ottawa Fury women's soccer team shut down in 'business decision'

Ottawa Fury FC's women's soccer team has shut down after 14 years, just six months before Ottawa acts as one of the host cities for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The W-League team was first launched in 2000 and posted the second-most wins in league history, capturing the W-League North American Championship in 2012.

Even though the team has performed very well, owner and president John Pugh said the team will cease operations as part of a business decision.

"There’s a great disparity between what you see on the field in terms of the quality of the female players we’ve been bringing to Ottawa every summer, and what happens off the field," Pugh said.

"It’s essential that we focus on the NASL pro team and making sure that men’s professional soccer in Ottawa is a great success."

Ottawa is 2nd team to fold in a week

This move comes just one week after the W-League's best team and defending champions, the L.A. Blues, ceased operations.

He said very few women's soccer teams make money, even though Ottawa reached five championship finals.

Pugh added Fury FC remains dedicated to its girls development program through the Elite Girls Academy and other grassroots and community initiatives.

This decision comes just days before the official draw for the women’s world cup, which takes place Saturday at the Canadian Museum of History. It also comes after the Fury FC men’s team completed its inaugural season.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup takes place between June 6 and July 5, 2015.