August 3, 2024...Preview: Nine Stripes eye top spot but arduous trip to Pacifice will be a though assignment (from York United website)

PREVIEW: Nine Stripes eye top spot but arduous trip to Pacific will be a tough assignment

York United can jump to first place in the table with victory in Victoria tonight.

PACIFIC FC v YORK UNITED FC

It's been eight games in charge for Benjamín Mora and the numbers are pretty astounding.

Five wins, two draws and just a solitary defeat in Winnipeg. Crunch those figures a little and they'll reveal two significant away victories: against Atletico Ottawa and Cavalry FC. Why are they so significant? Well, outside of the side from the capital enjoying a particularly impressive campaign so far and the Cavs such a notoriously difficult side to face at Spruce Meadows, the results also show that the upturn in York United's form is not restricted to their own backyard.

So, those results in particular should stand them in good stead for tonight's battle in Victoria against sixth-placed Pacific FC.

On their last visit to Starlight Stadium, it was a disappointing performance from The Nine Stripes as they registered just a single shot on target in the 2-0 defeat back in early May. However, revenge was exacted at York Lions Stadium six weeks later as MoraBall properly began taking shape. Goals from Brian Wright and Mo Babouli ensured the three points, earned in difficult circumstances too with Austin Ricci's straight red card in the opening period.

How much will that display influence tonight's battle? Well, the ensemble cast should stay pretty consistent for York as key performers like Juan Cordova and Elijah Adekugbe will look to continue their great form while the attacking duo of Wright and Babouli seem to be finding their stride. The defence - anchored by off-season imports Frank Sturing and Oswaldo Leon and prominently featuring the composed figure of 19-year-old Canadian Noah Abatneh - has been superb, as has goalkeeper Thomas Vincensini behind them. And yet, Mora still wants to surprise as much as possible.

The statement 4-1 win over Atletico Ottawa last weekend was notable for lots of things, though a standout was the immediate contribution of 20-year-old Mexican Jorge Guzmán, signed on a loan deal from Liga MX giants Atlas. Two assists will get the spotlight but it was his guile and craftiness throughout the encounter that was crucial. Poised, but potent. The Mora way, really.

Mora mentioned in his pre-game press conference this week about how lucrative the element of surprise has been for him, through system changes or personnel. He alluded to the away win in Ottawa as an example of that, the home side still largely unaware of Mora's style as a coach at that point. Similarly, last weekend, Mora wanted to keep Atletico guessing - only announcing Guzmán's signing shortly before kick-off and handing him an immediate start.

As the season gathers momentum, Mora is well aware teams will become more familiar with his style and what he demands from his players. Still, the last eight games have given him the perfect foundation to work with. Some more bricks in the wall tonight and the house will be in excellent shape. Move-in ready, perhaps, at the end of October.

Eoin O'Callaghan

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