April 14, 2024...Full Preview (from York United FC team issued notes)
FULL PREVIEW Head Coach Martin Nash faced the media prior to York United’s 2024 Canadian Premier League opener against provincial rivals Atletico Ottawa, a heavily revamped side, on Saturday afternoon. The Gaffer's work was completed in Monterrey, Mexico and all that happened there will be tested at TD Place. The time spent south the border and scrimmages against LigaMX giants Tigres UANL and CF Monterrey provided Nash with insights into who to rely on for their inaugural match of the new season. York United's squad has been rejuvenated with the addition of eight new recruits and the departure of some familiar faces, most notably the club’s all-time leading scorer, Osaze De Rosario and No.1 goalkeeper Niko Giantsopoulos. The new faces on the roster includes Mexican trio Orlando Botello, Leon Oswaldo and Josue Martinez. Goalkeeper Thomas Vincensini, Juan Cordova, Higgins Nyal, Frank Sturing and Lithuanian international Dennis Salanovic were snapped up during the offseason. Nash said in his pre-game conference: ''We had some really good performances (with) some of the new guys. We think that we recruited quite well for the way we want to play and the players that we've come in, have made a difference so we're excited to see what they can bring this year. ''We feel this year, more than last year, and the year before, we have more competition in every place, which is something you want; competition throughout the squad. So, training sessions are flying and then you know what you can get in the weekend. So, no one can take your foot off the gas. ''It’s a long off-season, you just want to get competing for something. It was a decent preseason, the guys have been working hard and we feel like we’re in a good place physically.'' York will be out to maintain their unbeaten record at Atleti's home turf and also their enviable away record. Last term, they were the best away team in the league [7-3-4] and so much is expected from The Nine Stripes but Nash is remaining cautious. ''It's [referring to his tactics] actually changed slightly. Depending on the group you have, you don't do all the exact same things because you're going to play to the talent of the players you have right and every team is new and different, '' he said. Atletico Ottawa have ushered in a ‘Galacticos era’ in the CPL, gathering marquee signings from rival teams within the league. Their lineup appears formidable, boasting talents such as Kevin Dos Santos, who shone last season for York United, and the returnee Ballou Tabla. Additionally, the team has secured the services of Matteo de Brienne, recognized as the league’s top Canadian U-21 player. Further strengthening their roster are goalkeeper Rayane Yesli, former Pacific standout Manny Aparicio, and stalwart defender Amer Didic. ''I'm sure their tactics will change a little bit considering all the signings they've made, right?,'' Nash queried. ''So, it's a bit of a feeling process for his game or two to see what teams are up to and what they're doing. I think for us, we're just going to concentrate on ourselves. Like I said, try to be organized, try not to concede goals and you know, in attack, be able to break them down and create chances.'' Ridwan Ibrahim Asanteback to 2024 York United FC menu
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