York United head into the 2025 Canadian Premier League season much changed but full of optimism.
The 2024 season was the best in York’s history, surpassing their previous points total in the league and hosting a playoff game for the first time. They were ultimately beaten at the quarterfinal stage in a tightly contested match against Atlético Ottawa on penalties.
York United changes managers twice in one year
But 2024 was a success overall, especially considering the Toronto-based club had to navigate some mid-season off-field turbulence.
There were multiple changes on the touchline during the 2024 season. Martin Nash, the head coach since 2022, was relieved of his duties in the spring, and his assistant Mauro Eustáquio filled in on an interim basis. The club eventually brought in Benjamín Mora in the summer. The hire proved beneficial, as York went on a run reaching the CPL playoffs and advancing to the quarterfinals.
Mora’s success turned some heads, and the Mexican manager left York for a head coach role with Querétaro in Mexico’s LigaMX after the playoffs. As a result, Eustáquio was permanently hired as the youngest head coach in the league in the offseason.
York United lose two key forward, but finding ‘right pieces of the puzzle’
Coming into the 2025 campaign, York United’s squad will look noticeably different with the addition of young, hometown talent, CPL veterans, and the loss of their top two goal scorers.
Forwards Brian Wright and Mo Babouli left to join Forge FC over the winter. The attacking pair combined for 15 goals last season, which could prove difficult to replace.
However, Eustáquio will be hoping his offseason moves will go some way to filling in the gaps. Bringing in Steffen Yeates and Adonijah Reid from Pacific FC offers speed in the midfield, while Gabriel Bitar and Massimo Ferrin bring attacking prowess.
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Another notable signing is Julian Altobelli from Toronto FC II who scored 11 goals in MLS Next Pro last year.
Keep an eye on young talents Markiyan Voytsekhovskyy and Shola Jimoh who could also feature in starring roles this season.
“We’re putting the right pieces of the puzzle together,” said Eustáquio of his offseason acquisitions. “We’re really gelling as a team, on and off the field; it’s a good feeling. Being able to understand how we want to play and what I want for the team, I think everybody’s going to play a role. Everybody’s going to be in a position to succeed, and we scouted them for that reason.”
And it’s clear York United has been scouting locally – 14 of the 2025 squad were born and raised in the Greater Toronto Area.
About the pride of representing their city, Eustáquio said, “They have something they’re playing for; it was a big message in the off-season that we wanted to be closer to the community, and a lot of these players are from Toronto. They’re not only playing for themselves, for the badge, they’re also playing for their hometown.”
Questions remain at goalkeeper position
There is depth at almost every position, but a question mark hangs over the goalkeeper role. York only has one keeper signed at time of publishing. And it’s unclear whether 20-year-old Ivan Pavela will start or if York will bring in someone with more experience.
With a new look at York United, the questions at the beginning of the season will revolve around building team chemistry, scoring goals, and Eustáquio’s role as a full-time head coach.
On paper it looks as though York has built a unique and dynamic roster, with a mix of young and veteran talent. If York can build on the success of last year and if all the new pieces fit together, fans of the club may expect a deep playoff campaign this season.
York United begin their 2025 campaign away at Vancouver FC on Sunday, April 6.
