The second CPL game between York United FC and Atletico Ottawa ended in a solid 0-0 draw on Sunday at York Lions Stadium.

A match that featured Ottawa’s Samuel Salter, who is top of the league scoring table with eight and York’s Julian Altobelli, right behind at seven, should have produced some adrenilin, but strong defence and the high heat kept both in check.

Atletico Ottawa (7-4-1) is now unbeaten in four and remains top-of-the-table, while the Nine Stripes (4-2-6) maintained fifth place in the standings.

York United had the first opportunity on 10 minutes with Oswaldo Leon, heading an Orlando Botello cross on a free kick, saved by Ottawa’s goalkeeper Nathan Ingham.

Five minutes later, Ottawa replied with Ballou Tabla, found by Kevin Santos in the box, but his shot was high over the crossbar.

York United had another big chance at 24 minues with Maximo Ferrin, who shot inside the box, but Ingham blocked it.

The Nine Stripes tried again at the end of the first half with a great shot from Altobelli, who found space in the box, but his shot was high over the top corner. 

In the 49th minute, Atletico Ottawa counterattacked with second-half substitute Tyr Duhaney-Walker with a header from the centre of the box, saved by Ivan Pavela.

Ottawa had a double chance in the 53rd minute with Salter, the second one outside the box, but York United’s goalkeeper Pavela made two other great saves.

York had the best chance of the half when Massimo Ferrin got in behind the Ottawa back line and shot inside the box, but a tackle by Loic Cloutier saved the result.

Takeaways

York: Despite the few chances they had, York United stayed solid defensively and conceded few shots on goal.

Ottawa: With over 65 per cent possession, Atletico controlled the ball but created few meaningful chances due to inefficiency in the final third.

Key stat

York United collected the second draw of the season, while Atletico Ottawa closed the third game without conceding a goal. After losing three of its first five games, York is playing much better soccer in recent weeks.

Key moment

Atletico Ottawa had a double opportunity with the top goal scorer Samuel Salter, saved both times by York United’s goalkeeper Ivan Pavela.

Up next

York will face Forge FC next Sunday, at Hamilton, game time 4 p.m. E.T.

Atletico Ottawa will travel to Calgary on Saturday to play a very interesting game against Cavalry, who are the defending champions of the CPL.