July 23, 2022...United We Stand: Nash Looks to Harness Same Midweek Mindset as Atelitico Come to Town (from York United website)

July 23, 2022...United We Stand: Nash Looks to Harness Same Midweek Mindset as Atelitico Come to Town
(from York United website)

UNITED WE STAND: NASH LOOKS TO HARNESS SAME MIDWEEK MINDSET AS ATLETICO COME TO TOWN

The Nine Stripes can jump to within three points of fifth place with victory at York Lions Stadium.

For the doubters, York United must prove that the midweek win at league leaders Cavalry FC was
no fluke when they host provincial rivals Atletico Ottawa this afternoon.

The Nine Stripes had the dice loaded against them but managed to weave their magic and pulled through
with a 1-0 success at Spruce Meadows.

And they did that with 10 men.

Atleti have dropped to fourth in the table after Saturday wins for both Pacific FC and Forge meant
they leapfrogged the side from the capital. Still, they're unbeaten in their last four matches
including two away wins at Forge and Halifax Wanderers.

However, Carlos González’s outfit have drawn their last two [against Calvary and Valour].

But Atleti's 2-2-0 record does not terrorise the Nine Stripes who are sufficiently armed to surmount
another challenge.

"I think any team in the league can beat any other team on any day. There's not a big difference from
top to bottom. Our wins have come against the two best teams in the league so we know we can beat
the top sides," Head Coach Martin Nash said at the pre-game press conference on Friday afternoon.

"Now, we just have to prove it against teams around us. It’s not going to be easy [against Atletico]
but I think if we put the effort in we did it against Cavalry, then we'll have a good chance of winning."

The York United starting XI that took to the field against the Cavs showed plenty of spirit and belief
and it was a defensive masterclass that ultimately earned them the points. But, there will be enforced
changes today.

Jordan Wilson was sent off at ATCO Field for a second yellow card offence, and will serve
a one-game ban.

Also, in-form Isaiah Johnston is unavailable due to yellow card accumulation.

But trust Nash to rejig and get the best out of players, like he has done on numerous occasions
this season.

"We've had just enough rest and we're ready to go. We had a good training session today [Friday]
and we'll have some match prep tomorrow," Nash disclosed.

"There will be a few changes in the squad with the suspensions but I think our guys are focused
and ready to go."

OPPONENT WATCH:

The capital club bolstered their ranks with the loan acquisition of 19-year-old Canadian midfielder
Owen Antoniuk from MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps.

Ahead of the match, Atletico Ottawa coach Carlos González said: "York are a team, like Valour,
that aren’t going to make it easy for us – there are going to be similarities to our last game.

"This gives us a chance of continuity, to learn from our game Wednesday, where to improve and how
to develop for the best game on Sunday. [Winning their last game] will make them feel like they have
less weight in their bodies, it’ll give them more confidence."

''At the end of the day that result supports their style and their identity and I’m sure this is going
to be a tough game between two tough teams.''

Ridwan Ibrahim Asante

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