July 24, 2023...Analysis: Hot Start Earns York United FC A Win In Winnipeg (from York United FC website)
ANALYSIS: HOT START EARNS YORK UNITED FC A WIN IN WINNIPEG Early goals from Austin Ricci and Osaze De Rosario lifted the Nine Stripes over Valour FC THE DETAILS EARLY GOALS WIN THE POINTS The early bird gets the worm and York United took full advantage of two early chances that came their way away at Valour FC on Sunday. The Nine Stripes raced into a two-nil lead before the tenth minute mark. First it was Austin Ricci who directed home a cross from right back Jonathan Grant four minutes into the match. Four minutes later, the goal scorer turned provider when his threaded pass picked out Osaze De Rosario in space and the striker finished sublimely. Valour FC pulled one back in the 10th minute through Kian Williams, but it wouldn’t be enough to rein in the Nine Stripes. York head coach Martin Nash was thrilled with his side’s electric start at IG Field. ''It was a wild start. We got the first one and I thought it was brilliant and then to get the second one so quickly,” said Nash. “After, I thought we were getting into good spaces and then to be rocked really quick, we had to refocus. It's not an easy place to come and play. They are an organized team, big heads and all that.” VICTORY MORE THAN JUST THREE POINTS York United revived their bid for a postseason spot after the victory moved them to fourth place on the table. The Nine Stripes had been without a win in their last two matches ahead of the trip to Valour, and there were concerns their chances were beginning to grate. But this huge away performance brings hope. ''It's massive,’’ Nash said of the win. “You know, we had a good win in Vancouver, came home for two games and got one point so to come back on the road and get three points was huge for us. We knew we were gonna have to fight for it. They weren't going to give it up easy and they tested us right to the death but we were able to hold on and we needed these three points back.’’ TRIVINE ESPRIT LEAVES MARTIN NASH PURRING The 21-year-old was handed his first start in the Canadian Premier League and he earned rave reviews from the Gaffer. Esprit played ninety plus minutes like a seasoned professional. 'I thought he's brilliant. He barely put a foot wrong,” Nash said of the native of Scarborough. “I thought he was good in possession, he worked extremely hard. He closed people down. Yeah, I thought it was a great performance. ''He's been working with us all year and he's proven to be a player that can play in this league. He came in as a central player and right away we saw his attributes and, for this level, I think he needs to start out wide. And he's come and train hard every day all season and he's got his chance and he's taken it. I think he's done really well.'' SOLID DEFENSIVE DISPLAY Despite missing Paris Gee, Jonathan Grant’s return to the matchday squad proved a great boost. The Guyana international played in his usual right back position and added some steel to the backline. It was his cross from the right wing that was turned home for the opening goal by Gatorade Man of the Match Austin Ricci. After doubling their lead, York stayed organized and repelled all attacks thrown at them by Phil Dos Santos' men. They were fully in control of the match. Ridwan Ibrahim Asanteback to 2023 York United FC menu
.
.