June 18, 2023...Preview: Nine Stripes Look to Stretch Unbeaten Run to Six and Return to the Summit
(from York United FC website)
PREVIEW: NINE STRIPES LOOK TO STRETCH UNBEATEN RUN TO SIX AND RETURN TO THE SUMMIT
York United FC make the trek to the west coast to face league leaders Pacific FC
York United can end the week as Canadian Premier League leaders if they pull the chestnut out of the blazing fire and record
a win in this afternoon’s crunch test in Victoria, BC.
The Nine Stripes are two points behind current leaders Pacific FC who are their next opponents.
Four weeks ago, York United got clobbered 4-1 at Starlight Stadium by The Tridents with goals from Amer Didic, Manny Aparicio,
David Brazao and Easton Ongaro.
Kevin dos Santos pulled one back for Martin Nash’s side who had a dreadful first half.
That humiliating score line sparked York United’s remarkable revival and since then they've not lost a match.
Going back to Langford, Nash has warned his troops not to repeat the lacklustre first-half performance which cost them dearly.
He said: "For me, it's a reminder of how we started the second half. We played with urgency, we played with energy. We played
on the front foot but unfortunately it was only 35 minutes that we really played like that."
"We know we've got to be aware of them, especially in transition. They've got some quality going forward but we know, first
and foremost, if we don't bring energy, it's going to be a difficult afternoon."
York United are on a three-match away unbeaten streak (2-1-0).
They look bolstered with the return of quintet Mo Babouli, Brem Soumaoro, Oussama Alou, Brian Wright and Marki Voytsekhovskyy
who were unavailable in last week’s 2-1 win over Atletico Ottawa at home.
"We've got a bunch of players back obviously that weren't available last weekend, so this squad is healthier than it was last
week," Nash added.
"I think the squad has just got a healthy fight for places which is always good and I think we're in a good, confident moment
so we know we can't take our foot off the pedal. We gotta go perform every week to get results in this league. All of our away
games have been tough so far but we've been good on the road this year, and hopefully we can continue to be."
First-choice left back Lassana Faye is expected to walk straight into the starting XI after serving a one-match ban.
Nash was full of praise for the Dutchman who has improved tremendously after a beige start.
"I thought he started a little bit slow,’’ said the Gaffer. "Obviously, Ramadan was early in the season. It was a bit harsh
on him to prove his performance playing in 30 degrees heat in the middle of day. He took a week to get back on his feet
and since he got in the team has been flying."
OPPONENT WATCH
After last week’s round of matches, Pacific trio goalkeeper Kieran Baskett, Meilleur-Giguère, and Adonijah Reid earned spots
in the CPL Team of the Week.
Another huge performer for James Merriman’s side is Ayman Sellouf who’s on three goals.
In five home matches this season, Pacific have two wins, two draws, and one loss.
Ridwan Ibrahim Asante
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