In the second edition of the CPL on Tour series, York United picked up its third win of the season Saturday night, defeating Halifax Wanderers 2-0 at Stade Telus-Université Laval in Québec City.
A goal from Julian Altobelli in the opening stages and an insurance marker from Steffen Yeates allowed York to collect back-to-back clean sheets for the first time this season.
Despite torrential rain, 7,218 soccer fans attended the showcase match, suggesting any potential Canadian Premier League expansion team could be successful in La Belle Province.
Weather conditions influence play
With the wet and windy conditions, both sides had to adjust to the slick pitch and unpredictable weather. Despite that, York came out aggressively, leading to an early chance from Yeates and a Kembo Kibato shot from distance that stung Halifax goalkeeper Rayane-Yuba Yesli and had to be quickly scooped up.
- Read: Forge FC and Cavalry FC share spoils in 1–1 draw in Hamilton
- Read: Desiree Scott says farewell as Canada defeats Haiti 4-1 in Winnipeg
After a couple of opportunities blocked by the Halifax defence, York found the opening goal in the 29th minute. Along the left flank, Orlando Botello lifted a deep looping cross towards the back post, where an unmarked Altobelli hit the cross first-time, placing it into the bottom left corner to give York the early 1-0 lead. This was his seventh goal of the season and ties him at the top of the Golden Boot race.
After the goal, Halifax pushed higher and had opportunities of their own. There were shots from outside the box from Wesley Timóteo and Sean Rea as they tested Urtiaga from distance. Just before the half, Lorenzo Callegari had a free-kick from distance that had to be punched wide to safety by Urtiaga.
York United eventually double lead
After the break, York regained the momentum and threatened to double their lead. In the 51st minute, Reid made a solo run past the defensive line and into the box, forcing Yesli to make a save in tight. In the 62nd minute, Massimo Ferrin showcased individual skill, getting past multiple defenders before hitting a shot from distance that went just wide.
Halifax used the ever-changing conditions to challenge Urtiaga from a distance, as a cross from Probo was awkwardly punched backwards by Urtiaga as he dealt with the slippery surface and downpour.
York had a glorious opportunity to double their lead in the 84th minute. An awkward bouncing pass backward from Callegari skipped past Thomas Meilleur Giguère and sent Reid into the open space. Yesli came way out of his box to challenge, but Reid managed to skip past the keeper and stare into the empty net. Electing to hold the ball up, Reid played a ball across to Ferrari, whose shot was miraculously saved and recovered by two outfielders and Yesli at the goal line to deny the opportunity.
York would find an insurance marker in the 89th minute. Stripping the ball from Andre Rampersad in the middle of the pitch, Yeates drove in on goal one-on-one with Yesli and slotted the shot past him into the bottom left corner to seal the game for York.
It was a difficult night for the Halifax attack as they could not find a consistent attacking rhythm and connect through the attacking lines. With the rainy conditions, it took away the quick style of play that Halifax has utilized this season.
For the second straight game, York’s defense structure was compact and solid, which allowed them to grab back-to-back clean sheets. After being aggressive in the early stages, they sat back and did not force passes that could lead to transitional play from Halifax. Allowing Halifax the majority of possession, York picked their moments to execute quality attacking sequences.
Both teams’ next matches will be on the road next weekend on Sunday, June 8. The Wanderers will travel to Hamilton to face Forge FC, while York will head to Calgary to play Cavalry FC.
