April 29, 2023...Preview: Nash Expects Hit Side to 'Come Out Guns Blazing' in Provincial Derby
(from York United FC website)
PREVIEW: NASH EXPECTS HIS SIDE TO 'COME OUT GUNS BLAZING' IN PROVINCIAL DERBY
The Nine Stripes face Atletico Ottawa in their first away assignment of the 2023 season.
York United will begin their road trips for the season with a difficult test against provincial rivals and reigning regular season champions Atletico Ottawa in the capital this [Saturday] afternoon.
And ahead of that tough assignment, Head Coach Martin Nash assured the team’s output will not be impacted by takeover negotiations between Canadian Soccer Business and potential new owners.
"Our message to the staff, to the group is business as usual. We've got our squad together and everything's being taken care of. We just have to concentrate on our jobs and what we're doing and do it to the best of our ability. So nothing really changes at our end," Nash said in his pre-game talk.
The Nine Stripes are without a win or a point after two rounds of matches which leaves them at the base of the league ladder. But the boss is expecting the heartbreaks of the previous weeks to fuel his players to victory in a challenging environment.
He said: "I think the guys are in a good mindset right now. It's been a tough week for them but I think they're all looking forward to getting on the field. I expect us to come out guns blazing, work hard and be organized. I think for the most part our organization has been getting better. The players are understanding their roles more now, especially the guys that have been playing out of position."
"I think we're getting more solid. It'd be good to get everyone back and get players in their natural positions but for tomorrow, I think it's just about being organized and solid defensively. It’s a big key to getting the result."
Last season, York United never lost at TD Place in three fixtures in all competitions - all draws - and that included a special penalty shootout victory in the Canadian Championship. Last time out, there was a spirited second-half comeback after trailing 2-0 at the interval. But for a controversial offside, they would have won the game but had to settle for a 2-2 result. So, some good inspiration for the team going into this fixture.
"[Atletico] Ottawa have proven last year - and even this year - that they're very difficult to beat," Nash added. "They're very good defensively and they're a team that takes their chances. It's not going to be an easy game. We've got to be at them the whole game, we’ve got to be switched on and can't give them anything."
Nash insists his side have shown a lot of promise despite failing to account for Valour FC and Vancouver FC at home.
He said: "I think we've created a lot of chances in the two league games with over 40 shots. We're getting over 20 shots a game which, you know, doesn't always mean anything but we're getting into attacking areas and creating chances so we want to keep that going and it's about hitting the target and taking our chances at one end but we also having to be better defensively."
The Gaffer is backing his top scorer for last season Osaze De Rosario to rediscover his scoring form and form a deadly partnership with new signing Brian Wright. Both are waiting to get off the mark for the 2023 season.
"[Osaze] He's a young player and strikers - by their very nature - can find the back of the net and as soon as they do, they can go on a run," Nash disclosed.
"Unfortunately for both of them, they've had chances but neither player has been able to make the breakthrough yet so we're just going to keep working, keep creating chances. As long as you're in the right areas, hopefully, one or both of them will get a goal."
Nash has been boosted by the possible availability of experienced midfielder Elijah Adekugbe, with the ex-Calvary FC man part of the matchday squad for the first time last weekend.
However, The Nine Stripes lost winger Clement Bayiha early on in the first half against Vancouver FC and it remains to be seen if he's fit to return.
OPPONENT WATCH:
The side from the capital are without a win in two matches against Halifax Wanderers and Valour FC.
Carlos Gonzalez managed to augment his roster in the offseason and already eight new players have made their debuts.
They seem to have a potent offense with the signing of Cape Verde international Gianni dos Santos.
There is also Spanish defender Diego Espejo who has been named to the CPL Team of the Week twice this season.
Ridwan Ibrahim Asante
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