April 16, 2024...Analysis: Three Things We Learned From The Nine Stripes' Season Opener (from York United FC website)

ANALYSIS: THREE THINGS WE LEARNED FROM THE NINE STRIPES' SEASON OPENER
Ridwan Ibrahim Asante runs through the positives after the weekend setback in Ottawa.

THE DETAILS

ROCK-SOLID DEFENCE

Despite the roster changes, York United were compact at the back. They faced Atletico Ottawa a ‘second-choice’ centre-back pair of Noah Abatneh and Nyal Higgins. Oswaldo Leon and Frank Sturring were unavailable due to injuries. Abatneh earned a last-minute call to replace Sturring and the youngster proved why is the future. Max Ferrari as right back and new signing Orlando Botello on the left also provided some stability. Despite the 2-1 reverse at TD Place, the lads weren’t carved open.

Head Coach Martin Nash, was full of praise for his backline, in particular.

"Frank [Sturing] felt something and we didn't want to push it [because] you are this early in the season. I thought Noah stepped in - he’s only trained for a week because he was out for a bit - and I thought he kind of started this season the same way he finished last season. He did a really good job. It's tough for a 19-year-old kid to be called in at the last minute but I thought he was fantastic tonight. We had a few breakdowns at the back at times but I thought for the most part, it was a good performance and something to grow from."

IF YOU DON’T FINISH, YOU GET PUNISHED

Just like last season, it looks like goalscoring will be a problem. York United created four big chances but managed to score one. They had 51% ball possession and had more shots than Atleti.

"It’s disappointing," said Austin Ricci who opened the scoring.

"I think we had them pinned the whole first half and it could have been 3-0, even we could have been up by five at the beginning of the second half. So, it sucks the game swung the way it did. If you don't finish your chances you get punished."

NEWCOMERS DIDN’T DISAPPOINT

Martin Nash handed full debuts to goalkeeper Thomas Vincensini, Nyal Higgins, Orlando Botello and Josué Martinez and the quartet proved their worth. They excelled in both halves and The Gaffer was satisfied with the output of the boys.

Nash said: "I thought it was a good performance. We've got to build from that. I think maybe we're a bit unlucky not to get the three points in some ways but they took their chances and they did mount pressure at the end. So, fair play to them. They've got a lot of quality in their squad. If you're gonna come here and win games, you're gonna have to perform for 90 minutes."

Ridwan Ibrahim Asante

back to 2024 York United FC menu