ANALYSIS – It was a familiar feeling for the new-look York United as they fell to Valour FC 2-0 on Sunday: a feeling of not meeting self-imposed expectations. Looking for what would’ve been their second consecutive win for the first time since May, The Nine Stripes once again failed to capitalize on their chances at IG Field.
New-look York United FC loses a critical game on the road
BET IT ALL ON WHITE#ForValour | #CanPL | @Payworks pic.twitter.com/N6PUj6o6Ku
— Valour FC (@ValourFootball) August 7, 2022
York United FC Formation
The new 3-4-3 formation head coach Martin Nash has been utilizing allowed York to threaten down the flanks, with the wide players coming in to support striker, Osaze De Rosario. However, they failed to challenge Valour’s keeper, Yuba-Rayane Yesli.
York assistant coach, Barry Smith – who replaced Nash at the helm due to illness – called for his team to be more clinical.
“It’s down to decision-making,” said the Scottish coach.
“Whether to shoot, whether to pass, the weight of the pass – all these things are important. It’s the fine details that let us down in the final third.”
York lost to Valour, and now sits five points out of a playoff spot
Going into halftime at IG Field, it was tied at 0-0. Both teams traded chances and the game was well within reach for York.
Billy Forbes appreciation tweet#ForValour | #CanPL
— Valour FC (@ValourFootball) August 7, 2022
Just one minute into the second half, it was 1-0 Valour. 24 minutes later, it was 2-0. Two brilliant counterattacks were all it took to put the match to rest. Billy Forbes was involved in both counterattacks. Forbes had a great game as he had an influence on both the goals as he assisted in Sean Rea’s goal (credit: Valour FC from OneSoccer) and then scored one of his own to give Valour FC the 2-0 lead.
That has pretty much been the story all year long for the team that sits fourth in the CPL for big chances created and first for big chances missed.
New-Look York United players settling in
Ahead of last week’s win against Halifax, Nash told the press about how he is using his five new signings to reinvigorate the team.
“It was an open and honest conversation. The message is: you have to fight for your spots now”, said Martin Nash at last week’s pre-match conference.
After dropping three of their first games in the July transfer window, York has won two of their last three. Their first win was the first defeat then-league-leaders Cavalry have suffered at home this season.
“For the first part of the season, they barely conceded goals,” said Valour head coach, Phillip Dos Santos.
“Now they are finding ways to threaten defences.”
Phillip Dos Santos’s high praise for York United FC
Despite beating them relatively comfortably, Dos Santos had high praise for his opponent.
“They still caused us problems,” he said.
“I think Martin has found a way to get the team going”
Former FC Edmonton midfielder Paris Gee joined the team and has made a couple of appearances off the bench. Attackers Ronan Kratt and Kevin Dos Santos have contributed offensively thus far, too. But Tass Mourdoukoutas and Luis Lawrie-Lattanziohave made the biggest impact, becoming regulars in the team.
Mourdoukoutas, who joined from the A-League side, Western Sydney Wanderers, has played every minute since joining. Operating as a left-sided centre-back, the former Australia U-23 international has brought defensive solidity and excellent build-up play to the backline.
Lawrie-Lattanzio, another Australian, is a forward who has been playing left-wing-back for York. The former Melbourne Victory player has been a revelation on the left flank, getting involved in all areas of the pitch. He has provided a goal contribution in both of the team’s recent victories.
Read More: The Relationship Between the Canadian MLS teams and CPL
Up Next: FC Edmonton
GOAL 🐇🐇🐇
And just like that, @FCEdmontonNow go up 3-0 over @YorkUtdFC as Gabriel Bitar scores after forward pressure forces a turnover deep!#CanPL | 🔴 https://t.co/7JFAUhgjL6 pic.twitter.com/nlJiSJQ9jH
— OneSoccer (@onesoccer) July 1, 2022
York United will take on FC Edmonton at home next – this Sunday at 4:00 p.m. EST.
Just a little over a month ago, York travelled to Alberta in the same position they are now – in seventh place ahead of Edmonton – and lost 3-0. If they are to have any hope of making the playoffs, York must continue the recent form they have found – and make sure to bury their chances.
Midfielder Noah Verhoeven had this to say following this week’s loss:
“No chance we’re giving up,” said the 23-year-old
“We fight every day in training and we want the best outcome this season.”
After the game against Edmonton at York Lions Stadium, they will then be hosted by Forge FC in Hamilton at Tim Hortons Field on August 20 at 4:30 p.m. ET. Both games will be shown live on OneSoccer and Telus.
PHOTO CREDIT: Robert Rayes Ong – Valour FC on August 7, 2022.
