York United FC dropped valuable points at home on Sunday, settling for a 1-1 draw with with FC Edmonton, in Canadian Soccer League action.
The visiting team opened the score shortly after the break thanks to striker Easton Ongaro, but Jordan Faria managed to get his first goal of the season to equalize and prevent the Nine Stripes from losing all three points.
With this result and their 2-1 defeat to Calvary FC on Thursday, Jimmy Brennan’s side is now placed fifth, out of the playoffs positions. However, the coach remains confident on his team’s potential.
“We are disappointed because we wanted to win and get into those playoffs,” said the coach during the post-match presser. “The players have realized how close we are, that every game really matters, and one can see the effort they put on the pitch every single time.
“Comparing where we are now to where we where when we started, it’s a huge improvement, and with such a young squad, we see them grow every single game, now we need to focus on the next game, because we will fight until the end.”
The former Toronto FC player also pointed out that he liked how his team reacted to playing without two of their main weapons, Isaiah Johnston (suspended), and Noah Verhoeven (injured).
During the first half, the Nines Stripes took their time to settle on the pitch, which was a clear consequence of the unprecedented line-up presented today by Jimmy Brennan.
It was only after 20 minutes that the associations between midfielders Alvaro Rivero, Sebastian Gutierrez, Cédric Toussaint, and Michael Petrasso began to generate depth on York’s attack.
United even managed to get the ball in the back of the net before the break, but the goal was called off due to a hand ball from defender Jordan Wilson.
By halftime it was clear that the home team had become the better side, and was expected that they will go all out attack in the second half. This idea was further reinforced when coach Brennan took off Gutierrez for forward Jordan Faria to give the team a more offensive cut.
That is why it came as a surprise to everyone when Easton Ongaro found himself in front of goal to beat Nathan Ingham, giving the Alberta-based team the advantage on the 47th minute.
York United had to face adversity at home once more this season, and just as in previous occasions, they reacted fast. Only six minutes after conceding, super sub Faria got the ball in the box following a series of rebounds and put it away with a strong shot from his right foot.
After the equalizer the game became one-sided, with United trying to score a second one in every possible way, but always finding goalie Connor James in a good position to block every attempt.
With the draw, York needed a victory, by at least two goals, from Cavalry FC over HFX Wanderers to finish the week in a playoff spot.
However, these two teams ended their game with a scoreless draw, meaning the Nine Stripes will remain one point away from that top four place until next Sunday when they visit Atlético Ottawa.
Notes: York United has now failed to get a win in their last four matches, registering three draws and one loss … The Toronto team has four games remaining on schedule.