June 17, 2024...Capital Punishment: Three Things We Learned From Saturday's Massive Road Win (from York United FC)

CAPITAL PUNISHMENT: THREE THINGS WE LEARNED FROM SATURDAY'S MASSIVE ROAD WIN
Another surprising system tweak, Ferrari as skipper and Wright's return!

THE DETAILS
York United produced a defensive masterclass to snuff out Atletico Ottawa’s flames and hand them their first defeat of the season at the nation’s capital. The Nine Stripes were the underdogs going into the match but were not pushovers as a rehearsed strategy- well executed- earned them a 2-1 victory on the road. Here are some of the major highlights from our first away win of the season.

YORK PREVAILS WITH 'SUFFER-WITHOUT-THE-BALL FORMATION'

York United had less territorial dominance (37% v 63%) and restricted themselves to just 8 shots as compared to the 21 by the hosts; but still managed to halt the unbeaten run of Atletico Ottawa after converting two of their three shots on targets.

Head Coach Benjamin Mora’s decision to play Elijah Adekugbe as a 'false centre-back' meant York United were ready to soak the pressure and onslaught. That added figure in the backline was so crucial as Adekugbe made five clearances, six recoveries and three headed clearances.

"We wanted Elijah [Adekugbe] to be the plus one with the ball. He's a brave player and [he] can jump a little bit forward in the line. My intention was to have overloads in the three zones and we achieved it for a long time. And we got a hold of the ball for a long time also. For me it was a great game and from here we're gonna evolve even more," said The Gaffer in his post-game interview.

Adekugbe was also the extra man in midfield as he helped Juan Cordova, Brem Soumaoro and Josue Martinez to overpower Atleti’s trio Manny Aparicio, Ollie Bassett and Alberto Zapater.

Mora added: "It was very difficult because we're not a defensive team. But in some moments of the game, we need to play defensive. We have an opponent that wants to score goals especially after they went two-zero down. So, we need to focus on the distances between our three midfielders and the distances between our line of five. It was a hybrid 5-3-2. I don't know if it looked like that in the TV or for the fans but for me it was. Of course, [Atletico] is powerful and they can hurt you if you're not focused. So, we were balancing between a good defence but of course trying to score goals."

THE FERRARI VS TABLA CONTEST

Max Ferrari was handed the armband for this match and the versatile right-back put in an impressive showcase. In the first-half, he kept the tabs on Atletico Ottawa danger man Ballou Tabla, operating on the left wing, and reduced the striker to a passenger. Ferrari was constantly in a dogfight with Tabla and that explains why the stand-in York United captain emerged the most fouled player in the match. Head Coach Benjamin Mora explained why he appointed him as skipper of the match.

"When I got here, we were missing a lot of players in the starting lineup that were captains and second captains and third captains. So, we needed to know who can step up as a leader and work it out," he said.

"Max is an example as a human being, he's an example as a football player. He has 90 games with York United and he has been here for five years. So, I think he deserves respect in that situation. I'm not saying Max is going to be the captain all the season, but of course he does a good job by being a leader. So, let's see who steps up. I don't mind switching at some point."

Ferrari was the architect for the second goal after making a bursting run into the Atleti half before threading a pass to unmarked Brian Wright who smashed home.

BRIAN WRIGHT RETURNS WITH A BANG

Brian Wright is fast emerging York United’s player of the season after capping his return to the team with a brace against his former side Atletico Ottawa. He was named Man of the Match and deserved the accolade for his clinical strikes in either half.

"I'm in a good moment right now in the season. Obviously, I was off the last few games but it's nice to come right back into the team. The coach trusts me and to be able to get a brace feels good, confidence is high and we're just going to keep going and keep pushing," he said.

"[Atletico] Ottawa they're on a good run, so we're happy to come in here and get three points. We've been working hard the past two weeks. Obviously, it's never easy when you get a coach mid-season but everyone's buying into what we're doing and what he's asking of us and we're just putting in the work during the week in training."

Wright is a man in serious form. It's the second time he's conjured a brace this season and as well as leading the league in goals (6), he's also managed three assists: all in just eight league appearances so far.

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