THE 2023 CANADIAN PREMIER LEAGUE SEASON BEGINS ON SUNDAY, APRIL 16 FOR THE NINE STRIPES WITH A HOME CLASH AGAINST VALOUR FC
Ahead of the new 2023 Canadian Premier League season, the message from York United FC Head Coach Martin Nash is a defiant one: ‘We want to win.’
The Nine Stripes begin their campaign with an afternoon assignment against Valour FC on Sunday, April 16 at York Lions Stadium (kick-off 2pm) and will look to build on their compelling crescendo to 2022.
Having endured a miserable 10-game winless stretch early last summer thanks to a relentless injury crisis, Nash saw a major upturn in fortunes when a bunch of new recruits – namely mercurial attacker Mo Babouli – arrived once the July transfer window opened. In the second half of the season, York United won seven and drew two from their final 14 fixtures – the second-best record in the league. Babouli played in just eight of those games, but scored five, added a further two assists and finished sixth in the voting for the league’s inaugural Players’ Player of the Year award. A captivating presence on the field, the former Toronto FC man was a galvanising all-around personality and a catalyst for the team’s resurgence. Though they missed out on the top-four and a spot in the playoffs, it’s that infectious energy and spirit that the club hopes will push them to the Promised Land this year.
“We always want to win,” Nash says.
“We want to win the league. That was my goal last year but it just didn’t turn out that way. I thought we had enough talent in the squad last year but probably not enough depth. And that hurt us as the season went on. With a fresh season now, you’ve always got to have that goal and push for the league. I don’t think you want to go into it thinking, ‘Let’s finish third or fourth.’ No. Let’s go and try to win the league. That’s my mentality. That’s my staff’s mentality. And that’s the mentality this group will need to have.”
There has been plenty of player turnover, with the biggest departure being centre-back Dominick Zator. Having spent two years with York, he made the decision to join Korona Kielce of the Polish top-flight in the off-season and hasn’t looked back, impressing significantly and earning a call-up to the Canadian Men’s National team last month.
The multi-functional Jordan Wilson has retired, while dynamic midfielder Isaiah Johnston and right-back Chrisnovic N’sa were signed by MLS NEXT Pro side Huntsville City. 19-year-old Canadian winger Ronan Kratt meanwhile is currently on loan with German heavyweights Werder Bremen until July 1.
However, Nash has been recruiting plenty of experienced domestic faces and added a sprinkling of international intrigue too. Lassana Faye is a dynamic left-back and boasts plenty of top-tier pedigree (including Uefa Europa League assignments) with renowned Dutch club Vitesse. He’s one of three Dutch signings, with young central midfielder Oussama Alou and the versatile Brem Soumauro (who has already made 10 appearances for Liberia and captained the side also) set to play important roles this season.
Jonathan Grant – a three-time CPL champion with rivals Forge FC – brings plenty of nous and know-how to the defence while Jérémy Gagnon-Laparé will likely set the tempo in midfield, where former Cavalry FC man Elijah Adekugbe is another interesting acquisition. Clément Bayiha brings Major League Soccer experience, having worked under a collection of CF Montreal coaches including Remi Garde, Thierry Henry and Wilfried Nancy, while striker Brian Wright arrives after two successful seasons with Atletico Ottawa and is set to provide competition for Osaze De Rosario up front, following the youngster’s extraordinary debut campaign in which he scored 12 goals and just missed out on the Golden Boot.
And, in amongst all those new faces, York can still count on three local heroes: the always-exciting Michael Petrasso, the energetic Max Ferrari and the determined figure of Austin Ricci: a trio of players who missed the majority of last season because of various injuries.
“It’s always exciting when a new season starts,” Nash continues.
“I’m looking forward to it. I think I’m more prepared as a manager. I think we’ve got a team that’s more prepared and built more in the way I want to play. It’s exciting to get going and I can’t wait to see what the season brings ends.”
