York United claims first home win of season, beating Vancouver FC 1-0 as Julian Altobelli scores and Vancouver struggles to convert chances.
York United snapped a six-match winless streak with a narrow 1-0 victory over Vancouver FC on Sunday at York Lions Stadium. The win marked York’s first home triumph of the season and their first victory since the opening match, bringing relief to the home fans.
Altobelli’s Decisive Strike
Julian Altobelli once again proved to be the difference-maker, scoring the only goal of the match in the 29th minute. This marked his sixth goal of the season, tying him with Atlético Ottawa’s Samuel Salter for the Golden Boot lead. Altobelli’s clinical finish left Vancouver goalkeeper Callum Irving no chance, silencing the visiting supporters.
York’s Early Control and Defensive Resilience
York United controlled possession early on, using a solid back three anchored by Elijah Adekugbe to build attacks and find space on the wings. Despite some missed chances, including a blocked effort from Oswaldo León off a corner, York’s defense held firm throughout the match. The team managed to withstand Vancouver’s late surge, including a tense free kick in stoppage time that nearly leveled the score.
Vancouver’s Struggles to Capitalize
Vancouver FC created multiple opportunities, especially in the second half after tactical adjustments by head coach Afshin Ghotbi. The team dominated possession and entered the attacking third 66 times, with 19 touches inside York’s box. However, their finishing was lacking, with only one shot on target hitting the crossbar and no goals scored. Ghotbi acknowledged the ongoing challenge of converting chances into goals, a problem that has persisted all season.
Looking Ahead
Vancouver FC will look to bounce back when they host Atlético Ottawa at the Langley Events Centre on Friday, May 30. York United, buoyed by this vital win, will aim to build momentum as the Canadian Premier League season progresses.
This tightly contested match highlighted York United’s resilience and finishing edge, while Vancouver FC’s inability to find the net continues to hamper their campaign. The result injects fresh confidence into York’s squad as they seek to climb the league standings.
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