Another edition of the Ontario derby took place on Saturday’ afternoon at the York Lions Stadium, with York United losing 2-1 to Hamilton’s Forge FC.
Initially, the home team took the advantage after a nice goal from defender Diyaeddine Abzi, but during the second half the Hamilton squad reacted and turned over the result with Woobens Pacius and David Choinière scoring for them.
The victory moved Forge to top of the table.
This was yet another missed opportunity for the Nine Stripes to finally secure their spot in the CPL playoffs, generating concern for defender Jordan Wilson.
“We did what we needed to do during the first half,” said Wilson, during a post-match presser. “But once we got back after the break, I feel that we were lacking some concentration and Forge took advantage from that.”
York can make the post-season on Sunday with an Atlético Ottawa victory at home, on Sunday. If not, United will need a win Tuesday at home, again to the powerful Hamilton side.
Coach Jimmy Brennan is still confident that his team will earn a place in the post-season for the first time in its history, despite being noticeably upset by the result.
“They had more quality in the box, that is the truth,” said the boss. “However, this team doesn’t quit, and we will keep going until the end.
“This game is done, we need to focus on the next match on Tuesday (versus Forge once again), we know what we need to improve now.”
York came to this game in a really good moment following an away win against Pacific, which was at the top of the table at the moment, but Forge knew a victory for them, would move them to the top of the table.
After a difficult first 20 minutes in which the visiting side seemed to be more comfortable with the ball, United started to find spaces thanks to quick counter attacks that found Forge’s defensive line out of position.
It was when the match was reaching its first half hour of gameplay that Isaiah Johnston found Diyaeddine Abzi on the left side.
The defender found Alvaro Rivero near the sideline and the Spaniard quickly gave him the ball back with his heel, leaving Abzi in a great position to beat Triston Henry. A great comeback from the Canadian left back, who had missed the last two games due to a suspension.
With the lead, York gained momentum and was able to generate a couple more chances before the break but were unable to extend their lead.
Things would rapidly change following the break, as only two minutes into the second half, United’s goalie Nathan Ingham suffered a collision against Woobens Pacius.
Even though he tried to recover, Forge took advantage of the situation and it was Pacius who, after a series of rebounds in the box, put the ball in the back of the net.
Shortly after the tie, Ingham asked for his substitution and Niko Giantsopoulos took his place, receiving the ovation of an almost packed York Lions Stadium
The new goalkeeper did a good job overall, saving the Nine Stripes from conceiving several times with some outstanding saves. However, with the home team desperately looking for another goal, Forge found lots of spaces to generate damage, until eventually David Choinière gave the victory to the visitors.
United still have a couple of options remaining to get into the playoffs after Valour was not able to beat Edmonton (it was a 3-3 tie at Clarke Stadium).
Notes: At the end of the game Jimmy Brennan said he did not have an update on Nathan Ingham’s status after being substituted … The club hasn’t released any information on the matter either.