>May 20, 2024...Cavalry FC vs York United FC game analysis (from York United FC website)

May 20, 2024...Cavalry FC vs York United FC game analysis (from York United FC website)

ANALYSIS - THOMAS THE TANK, RICCI RICH AND ANOTHER STIRRING SECOND HALF: THREE THINGS WE LEARNED FROM SATURDAY'S DRAW

The Nine Stripes dug deep to earn an impressive away draw in Calgary.

THE DETAILS

York United produced another comeback performance to collect their first away point of the season as it happened at difficult ground, ATCO Field, against Cavalry. The Nine Stripes turned the game on its head in the second half after taking a 2-1 lead from a goal down in the first 45 minutes. It was a spirited performance which deserves commendation. Here are our observations.

THE VINCENSINI CODE

It wasn’t a clean sheet performance for goalkeeper Thomas Vincensini but the 30-year-old played a pivotal role in the club’s stalemate result at Spruce Meadows. His stupendous save which denied Malcom Shaw was adjudged Moment of the Match and also got picked for the Save of the Match [that one handed save on 54 minutes which directed Klomp’s goal bound header away from goal] by TV broadcasters OneSoccer. The France-born got massive praise from The Gaffer for his exploits between the sticks. He made four saves inside the box and two diving ones to keep the lads in the game.

Martin Nash said in his post-match interview: "I thought he was excellent today. He was good in the air, commanded his box well. I know they're [Cavalry] an excellent team on set pieces, but we’ve let in too many set piece goals and we're going to have to change something up because that's frustrating. You’re on the edge of the seat every time we give away a corner."

AUSTIN RICCI RECAPTURES HIS VITALITY

The Richmond Hill native is continuing where he left off last season for York United as he put in a spirited performance to earn a point on the road. He registered his second goal of the season in the 62nd minute which tied the scoring at 1-1 against Cavalry. He was denied a second four minutes later after his thunderous strike smashed back off the upright with goalkeeper Marco Carducci completely beaten.

"I think it was a good point on the road; a tough environment especially after a really poor first half. We showed good fighting character to come back and take the lead in the second and give up a poor set piece. It's frustrating that we're only leaving here with 1 [point] but we'll take it and we'll move forward," Ricci said.

''For sure things are starting to look brighter. We're just starting to come together. We're starting to put together better performances and all we can do is keep building on and keep going forward.''

Ricci also spoke about his chemistry with strike partner Brian Wright who also got on the scoresheet.

"I'm happy for Brian. Obviously, we want our guys, especially our striker, to keep scoring every game, stay in good form, and we have a good connection. We've known each other for 10 years - maybe even more now, so we definitely have a good connection, and hopefully, we can keep it going moving forward," he added.

ANOTHER TERRIFIC SECOND-HALF DISPLAY

Despite going down in the 24th minute from a Tobias Warschewski penalty, York United kept their heads up and stuck to the game plan. They pinged the ball around neatly and that built their confidence. The Nine Stripes clawed back to take the lead and were unlucky not to have won after hitting the woodwork. Talisman Mo Babouli was unavailable and he wasn’t missed at all.

Nash said: "I think for us, it was a game of two halves. I don't think we were great in the first half again. We were okay, but not great. We were getting in each other's way, our spacing was off, and we were okay defensively. Then, I thought in the second half, we sorted out our spacing offensively, got players who really needed the ball, and were able to create chances and get into good areas. It's always tough when you take a lead in the second half and give it up, but I'm proud of the fight that the guys showed in the second half. And, you know, it probably wouldn't have been a draw if it wasn't for Thomas."

Footnote: Special mention to Brem Soumaoro who deputized for injured captain Mo Babouli. The Liberia international was the fulcrum in midfield and the most fouled player in the match.

Ridwan Ibrahim Asante

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