CALGARY, AB – What a way to get your first win in 10 games! York United defeated league leaders Cavalry FC at the Spruce Meadows on Tuesday.
York ended their winless streak in dramatic fashion, to say the least. Osaze De Rosario opened the scoring in the first half, and then Jordan Wilson was sent off minutes into the second. York was able to nullify the onslaught of Cavalry’s attacks, largely thanks to Niko Giantsopoulos.
“York has one of the fewest goals against for a reason,” said Tommy Wheeldon Jr., when asked about the York keeper’s performance.
Of course, he knows firsthand just how good the Canadian keeper is. He coached him for two years in Calgary. Wheeldon Jr. didn’t speak as highly about his own players, claiming it was their game to lose.
“We had enough chances to win three games,” said the Cavalry coach.
“But if we were still out there tonight I don’t think we’d have scored.”
York United defeat Cavalry FC 1-0 at Spruce Meadows
Before the Cavalry FC game, York United FC were the heavy underdogs, but they were able to earn a victory as they push for a CPL playoff spot. The win was York United’s third of the season. It was their second over Cavalry, after beating them 2-0 at home in April.
It was also Cavalry’s first loss at home this year, ending a five-game unbeaten streak. York coach Martin Nash hopes this massive win proves to be a turning point for his team.
“There have been a lot of games this year where we have created a lot more and not taken that chance,” said Nash.
Finishing certainly has been a problem for The Nine Stripes this season. They are creating chances at the fifth best rate in the Canadian Premier League, but have the worst goals-per-game rate at 0.6.
On this occasion, De Rosario scored with York’s only shot on target of the game.
How York United can build on this win
This was the second consecutive game that Nash has played a variant of the 3-4-3 that looks like a 5-3-2 defending and a 3-4-1-2 going forward. It has allowed the team to play the defensive game they are known for, while also getting the best out of De Rosario and newcomer Ronan Kratt. Isaiah Johnson has perhaps benefited most from a new role behind the two forwards. In two games, he has two assists, three shots, and four chances created.
The club’s new center-back, Australian U23 graduate Tass Mourdoukoutas, has been largely excellent in his three starts. His compatriot and fellow new recruit, Luis Lawrie-Lattanzio enjoyed his first start for York United. His pace was threatening all game and led to an assist on the De Rosario goal.
Coach Nash had plenty to say about “LLL,” praising the center-forward for playing out of position at left-wing-back.
“He did a job for me tonight,” said Nash.
Lawrie-Lattanzio was the FotMob Man of the Match with a rating of 8.1. In 80 minutes, he won 9/12 ground duels and had six recoveries, two blocks, and a clearance to go with the assist. Not bad for your first CPL game.
As a result, York United FC defeat league-leaders, Cavalry FC, and end their five-game losing streak in all competitions. This includes losses to FC Edmonton and the Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
Positive positive vibes
— York United FC (@yorkutdfc) July 20, 2022
The two Australians, as well as Kratt and Kévin Dos Santos, have been excellent additions to a team that desperately needed them. They have fit seamlessly into the team and allowed them to play a new formation. In two games playing with the back three, they have scored three of their 10 CPL goals this season. CPL. Six of them were scored in the first five games.
Up Next: Atlético Ottawa (H)
There aren’t many better ways to motivate a team at the bottom of the table than beating the league leaders at their own stadium. York United will face second-place Atletico Ottawa at home on Sunday: another massive test for Martin Nash’s men.
Sitting nine points behind Forge FC for the final playoff spot (with Forge having three games in hand), it will be a massive ask for York United to play in the postseason. That’s not going to stop them from trying, according to the gaffer:
“We are going to fight tooth and nail for the rest of this season.”
Photo Credit: CFC Media/Mike Sturk on July 19, 2022.
