August 23, 2023...Analysis: 'Gifted' Goals and Red Card Controversy Cloud Solid Away Performance (from York United FC website)
ANALYSIS: 'GIFTED' GOALS AND RED CARD CONTROVERSY CLOUD SOLID AWAY PERFORMANCE The trip to Calgary proved a disappointing one as road stretch comes to an end. ‘GIFTED’ EARLY GOALS PROVED THE DIFFERENCE York United conceded a goal in either half and they were too early in the game. The game’s opener from Ali Musse-a fulminating header from inside the box- was registered after 46 seconds. Cavalry doubled their lead two minutes into the second half through William Akio aided by a wicked deflection. The goals unsettled the Nine Stripes but the visitors still remained competitive with some scintillating football and managed to pull one back just after the hour mark thanks to a sublime Clement Bayiha finish. An unhappy Martin Nash said in his post-game speech: "I think for large parts of the game we were the better team but you can't gift teams two goals to start each half. And once you're down two-nil, it’s a long way back. We got the one [consolation goal] and we got in good areas, it's just that the ball in the final third wasn't quite there today." BAYIHA GETS FULL CREDIT Winger Clement Bayiha repeated another firm performance and got an ovation from the boss. Recently, he provided a pair of assists in the thrilling 3-3 draw in Ottawa and on Sunday at Spruce Meadows, he created the most chances (2) in the game. He also netted the consolation goal for York United on 63 minutes when he fired into the roof after being teed up by Mo Babouli inside the box. "Yeah, he's been really good recently. He's looking to get into high more areas and I think Kevin [dos Santos] is doing a good job on the other side of the pitch too. So, our wingers have done quite well," Nash commented on Bayiha’s improved display. "Clem's [Bayiha] quality let him down a little bit in the first half at times when he got into areas but he put a great effort in and had some really good moments and he's been really good over the last few games and it was a well taken goal." LACK OF A CUTTING EDGE With the lion's share of ball possession [58%] and passing accuracy of 86% [vs Cavalry’s 81%], perhaps York United did enough to earn at least one point from the match but Martin Nash and his boys were put to the sword for the second time at ATCO Field this season. Lead striker Brian Wright lacked service from midfield and that ensured he was kept quiet throughout the game. The Gaffer explained why his side could not turn possession into penetration. He stated: "I felt our lines were deep in possession and they [Cavalry] were able to condense that space. We weren't moving the ball quick enough to open up that space and if you don't then teams can keep their block and they make it hard for you to play off your striker." "So, they weren’t able to do that today. We didn't find Brian [Wright] enough. We played in front of them a lot, we got him behind them early and then stopped doing it. But I still think for large portions we had good possession, we had good amount of chances. Just to start both halves that way...it was a killer." SUPPORT FOR RED-CARDED BUSCHMAN-DORMOND Second-half substitute Carson Buschman-Dormond received a late red card after halting Cavalry's Gareth Smith-Doyle in a transitional moment right before the final whistle. Considering the incident took place inside the Cavalry half of the field, the decision seemed extremely harsh on the 20-year-old who was making just his second appearance for the club. Elsewhere, Trivine Esprit started at right-back and gave a good account of himself against a tough opponent. Midfielder Elijah Adekugbe was full of praise for the duo and also spoke about Dormond’s late dismissal. "I don't think it's a red card," he said at the post-match conference. "At the end of the day, in those moments, it's a learning experience. But I credit Carson and Trey [Esprit]. Ultimately with the Under-21 minutes rule it's not ideal in some situations but the good thing for them is they're thrown into the deep end, they get experience in moments that otherwise they may not get." "So those moments are always going to be difficult, especially as a younger player. I think they handled it as best as they could, especially in Calgary's atmosphere, so they'll always get my credit and I think for them, it's just a case of you take the experience, you learn from it, and hopefully those moments become a little bit easier as you get older." Ridwan Ibrahim Asanteback to 2023 York United FC menu
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