York United ended a six-game winless streak in the Canadian Premier League with a 1-0 victory over Vancouver FC 1-0 at York Lions Stadium Sunday.
Like the season opener, Julian Altobelli was the hero for York, scoring the lone goal of the game.
“This week was all about personality,” said York head coach Mauro Eustáquio post-game. “It’s about showing that, giving the players the confidence, and going out and executing, and being concentrated from minute one to the end. It’s something that I’m extremely proud of.”
Altobelli scores his sixth of the season
York was on the front foot early, as they piled on the offensive pressure and had multiple chances blocked inside the box. Building out from the back, York was comfortable switching play, playing down the wings, and finding space behind the defensive line.
In the 23rd minute, Massimo Ferrin quickly found Riley Ferrazzo cross-field, but his shot went over the bar.
In the 29th minute, York found a breakthrough. Oswaldo León sent a through ball over the top that played Altobelli in behind the Vancouver defensive line. With time and space, Altobelli took a touch and curled a shot around Vancouver goalkeeper Callum Irving to put York up 1-0. This was Altobelli’s sixth goal of the season and ties him for the lead in the Golden Boot race.
Vancouver FC push for equalizer in second half
Vancouver failed to create any clear cut opportunities in the opening half. But after the break, they had a great chance when David Norman sent a ball to Elage Bah inside the box, who cut inside to his left and sent a shot just over the bar.
A minute later, York had an opportunity off a defensive miscue. Steffan Yeates intercepted a pass in the middle and sent in Altobelli, whose shot from distance went just wide of the left post.
In the 54th minute, Vancouver came close to an equalizer. A half-clearance from the box fell to Juan Batista, who hit a curling shot off the crossbar from the top of the box.
Moments later, York had an opportunity as a defensive miscue from Vancouver led to a shot from distance from Kembo Kibato.
In the 76th minute, Vasco Fry did well to get past two York defenders and sent in a looping cross into the box to Norman, but Diego Urtiaga quickly made the save before Botello took down both men in the box.
In the 81st minute, Fry did well again with a curling through ball into Henri Godbout, but Godbout’s shot was pulled wide of the net.
With ten minutes of stoppage time added to the end of the match, York had to hold on defensively and keep their tempers in check. With a shove to Shola Jimoh in stoppage time, both sides came together, and four players were shown yellow cards.
Vancouver had one final chance in the 102nd minute. As Tj Tahid collected the ball at the top of the box, he was swept over by Luke Singh. Standing over the set-piece, Fry’s free-kick was deflected just wide of the net past an outstretched Urtiaga.
Defensive performance key to York United’s win
The key to York’s win came from their defensive line and captain Elijah Adekugbe. The defensive midfielder was outstanding on both sides of the pitch, distributing balls from the back, winning all his duels, and making key defensive plays in one-on-one situations. Recognizing the space behind Vancouver’s defensive line, the back-three found success playing lofted through balls into space, eventually connecting with Altobelli with the lone goal. The back three also did well to stop dangerous crosses into the box, leaving Vancouver the option to take shots from distance.
“To go through it again and get the job done, I think for our confidence, that does wonders,” said York captain Elijah Adekugbe post-game. “The way we won and to survive through those tough moments, but to do all that and come up with the victory, hopefully that gets a little momentum going forward.”
Vancouver has struggled to find offense this season, going scoreless in their last two games, while only scoring 6 times in 7 games. They continue to lack the execution in the final third and create dangerous opportunities inside the box.
“I think we created a lot of opportunities to equalize the game and win again, and you have to take your chances,” said Vancouver head coach Afshin Ghotbi. “I think we had enough chances to equalize, and I feel that’s something we struggled with all season to score goals.”
Vancouver FC will host Atlético Ottawa on Friday, May 30. York United’s next match will be at home against top-seeded Halifax Wanderers on Saturday, May 31.
