FORMATION:
4-2-3-1
BENCH:
- Roger Thompson
- Brian Wright
- Max Ferrari
- Michael Petrasso
- Jérémy Gagnon-Laparé
- Eleias Himaras (GK)
- Marki Voytsekhovskyy
CAPTAIN:
Niko Giantsopoulos
TREATMENT ROOM: - Elijah Adekugbe (muscle
strain) - Theo Afework (quad)
COACH’S CORNER:
“To be quite honest, we’re not the end product. I think we can be a little bit better at certain
moments in the game. We’re organized defensively and we’re not giving away a ton of
chances, typically. We gave away a few too many – I would say – on Wednesday, but we
were able to keep them at bay for the most part. But I think there’s moments in the game
when we’re in transition and we are still a bit vertical.”
Martin Nash, York United FC Head Coach
TALKING POINTS:
● It’s been quite a journey since these teams met on the opening weekend of the 2023
campaign. The Nine Stripes were pedestrian for large periods and suffered
accordingly, going down 2-0 in what was a difficult and turbulent beginning to the
season. However, confidence is high after three straight wins, a couple of them – the
1-0 victory over Cavalry FC and the incredible 2-1 midweek success against Forge –
certainly take-notice results. The club has never won three straight games before and
will look to extend that run this afternoon.
● Three changes for Martin Nash’s side, as the Head Coach gets to rotate players and
give some a well-earned rest. One of those is captain Roger Thompson who pushed
through the barrier on Wednesday to play the full 90 minutes. He starts from the
bench today, with Tass Mourdoukoutas back in after he wasn’t risked against Forge.
Elsewhere, Clément Bayiha returns to start on the right flank in place of Kevin dos
Santos, while Osaze de Rosario gets the nod up front.
● The Dutch midfield pairing continues as Brem Soumauro partners Oussama Alou in
the middle, with the Valour players surely set to quickly shut down the Liberia captain
once he gets within 40 yards of their goal – just in case.
● Austin Ricci starts against his former side for the very first time since signing for York
United FC in 2022.
● Jeremy Gagnon-Laparé is back in the matchday squad after missing the midweek
assignment at Tim Hortons Field.
● This is the 14th clash between the teams with York United FC boasting five wins and
Valour edging the history with seven.
● More from The Gaffer:
“They’re really a good team. They are tireless workers, really organized, well
coached. We’ve got to be at our best. It’s not going to be any easier than in the last
three games. It’s going to be tough. I think they’re one of the hardest teams in the
league to play against and credit to Phil [Dos Santos] and his staff because they’re
well-versed and they are one of the hardest working teams in the league.”
“There were good moments where we kept it against Forge and you need those
moments especially coming into the summer months. You can’t just be a team that’s
vertical and chases the game. Even though you could create a lot of chances, you
can tire out as the game wears on. So, we’ve got to find those moments to control the
tempo, dictate the pace of the game and get a chance to rest because it’s been hot
these last two games and it will get even hotter this weekend.”
