PREVIEW – Without a win in their last ten games, things will not get any easier for York United this matchday: an away trip to first-place Cavalry FC is up next. In contrast, Cavalry has not lost in their last 12 matches. With a 9-3-0 record since their last loss in late April, they sit atop the Canadian Premier League table with 28 points.
The last time the league leaders tasted defeat? At the York Lions Stadium on April 22nd.
York United FC faces Cavalry FC – CPL Matchday 15th
A Tale of Two Seasons
After starting the year 2-2-1, York United has managed a mere four draws in the ten matches since.
There has been little to cheer about for fans of The Nine Stripes this season, but Friday’s 4-2 defeat to Pacific did offer some glimmers of hope.
New signing Ronan Kratt followed up on a so-so performance against Forge by opening his CPL account in the first minute. The son of former “Zoboomafoo” host Martin Kratt had the ball laid off to him by Isaiah Johnston at the top of the box and caressed the ball into the left corner:
Please enjoy my Director's Cut of this fantastic goal from Ronan Kratt:#CanPL https://t.co/Njn8rNcaQn pic.twitter.com/bEnaim10UM
— Adam Jenkins (@adamkjenkins) July 16, 2022
An Alejandro Diaz penalty equalled things heading into halftime, but York United came out of the gates flying in the second 45. Johnston took the ball at the half, ran through about half of Pacific, and set up Osaze De Rosario with a simple finish:
Isaiah 🪄 -> DeRo 🎯pic.twitter.com/XYrKlNVn0v
— York United FC (@yorkutdfc) July 16, 2022
Cavalry has enjoyed pretty much the inverse of York’s season. They managed just one draw in their first three games, but have not lost in league play since.
They enter tomorrow’s game fresh off a 3-0 victory over Halifax Wanderers FC. Despite playing without their leading scorer, Aribim Pepple, Cavalry looked every bit as threatening going forward. Winger Ali Musse picked up a brace, including this run and finish:
Tonight's @SouthCentreVW MOVE OF THE MATCH belongs to Ali Musse for the rocket of a goal, and also to Karifa Yao who made a fantastic play to win back the ball and set up Ali.#CavsFC | 🎥@onesoccer pic.twitter.com/BEeflS712S
— Cavalry FC (@CPLCavalryFC) July 15, 2022
Player Notes
Cavalry FC
- 25-year-old forward Mikaël Cantave has joined the team.
- He is a dual-national who made four appearances for the Canadian U17s before switching his allegiance to Haiti.
- He has played 11 games for the men’s team and scored one goal.
- Cantave joins from Chindia of the Romanian first division.
- Pepple will miss out and looks likely to leave for Europe
- David Norman Jr. will return from suspension
York United FC
- Luis Lawrie-Lattanzio and Kévin Santos, the newest members of York United, both made their debuts as substitutes against Pacific FC.
- Santos is a 22-year-old Portuguese winger who arrives from Darlington in the sixth division of English football. In 36 appearances for the non-league outfit, he had four goals.
- Lawrie-Lattanzio joins from Melbourne Victory of the Australian first division. After coming through their academy, the 20-year-old made 23 appearances across three seasons with the men’s team.
- Jordan Wilson and Mateo Hernández will return from suspension.
- Max Ferrari looks likely to sit out due to an ankle injury sustained against Pacific FC.
York United will be the underdog in this game as Cavalry FC are the league leaders. The team from York Lions Stadium is on a five-game losing streak, which includes losses to FC Edmonton and the Vancouver Whitecaps FC. The game will start at 9:30 p.m. ET. The game will take place at ATCO Field in Foothills County, Alberta and it will be shown live on OneSoccer and Telus.
Photo Credit: York United FC/David Chant on May 29, 2022.
