November 8, 2021...Clinched: York United FC Make The CPL Playoffs For the First Time (from York United FC website)

November 8, 2021...Clinched: York United FC Make The CPL Playoffs For the First Time
(from York United FC website)

CLINCHED! YORK UNITED FC MAKE THE CPL PLAYOFFS FOR THE FIRST TIME

Qualification was confirmed without the team having to kick a ball.

York United FC has reached the Canadian Premier League postseason for the very first time.

Though Saturday proved a disappointing defeat to local rivals Forge FC, the team knew that
anything less than victories for HFX Wanderers and Valour FC - the other sides in playoff
contention - would ensure a fourth-place finish for The Nine Stripes.

And in keeping with the wholly compelling nature of the CPL, the remainder of the weekend
proved incredibly captivating.

Firstly, in Saturday's late fixture, Valour found themselves 3-0 down to FC Edmonton
after 48 minutes. And although they rallied bravely and scored three of their own
in response, they couldn't find a dramatic winner and were eliminated from the race.

And on Sunday, in front of their own fans, Stephen Hart's charges also tripped up.
Despite taking the lead early on against Atletico Ottawa, they conceded an equalizer
shortly before the hour mark as Matthew Arnone - a former York player and York University
student - headed home from close range. A second goal eluded the hosts and the 1-1 draw
meant York United were through, without them having to even kick a ball.

"I was watching and pacing," Head Coach Jimmy Brennan said in his Monday press conference.

"It wasn't good for the ticker, I'll tell you that much. They were entertaining games
and there was a lot at stake. Selfishly, you're praying to the football gods for a draw
so we could get in. We all watched the games, including the players. And of course you're
nervous. We had the chance against Forge the other night which would've been a lot easier
walking away with three points. But we had to rely on other teams. And that's football.
That's the way it goes. Every game is different and you've got to wait for other results
to go your way a lot of the time. And we had a little bit of luck."

York United have one remaining fixture left in the regular season and it takes place
at York Lions Stadium on Tuesday night. Once again, the opponent is bitter rivals Forge FC
and it's an opportunity for fans to come and celebrate the team's incredible playoff
achievement. Kick-off is 7pm and gates open one hour prior.

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