Match #23
YORK UNITED FC (9-5-9) vs. VALOUR FC (4-8-10)When: Friday, September 8, 6 p.m. CDTWhere: York Lions Stadium, Toronto, ON.How to watch: OneSoccer is broadcasting all Canadian Premier League games live https://onesoccer.ca/MATCH PREVIEW:A frustrating season rolls on for Valour FC, as they conclude a three-match stretch away from home with a visit to Toronto and York United FC. Cemented in seventh place in the CPL standings with the schedule shrinking along with the team’s playoff hopes, Valour needs a win – actually, a series of them – to prevent from being eliminated so quickly.The team is just 1-1-7 in its last eight since a win over Vancouver FC on June 25th and has seen the squads ahead of them widen the gap between the playoffs and themselves. Atlético Ottawa, York and HFX Wanderers are all in a fight for postseason spots, with the three teams all tied with 32 points.THE OTHER GUYS:3 Facts about York United FC:-York has won its last two, knocking off HFX Wanderers and Vancouver FC by 2-1 scores. They have two wins and two draws against one loss in their last five to muscle themselves into the CPL playoff picture.-Mo Babouli leads York with six goals, while Kevin Santos (4), Osaze De Rosario (3) and Austin Ricci (3) – also all forwards – give York a number of threats up top.-York has been steadier defensively as of late, but its 1.52 goals conceded per match is second worst in the CPL to Vancouver’s 1.95.
VALOUR FC SPOTLIGHT:#7 Kian Williams, MF/FW: Valour desperately needs some creativity in the attack and Williams – tied with the team league with Diego Gutiérrez with three goals – has provided that in spurts this season. He can be dangerous with the ball on his foot as a distributor or taking his chances, and has been consistently one of the team’s better options in set pieces.CRITICAL NUMBER10Adding to last week’s number because it remains an issue: Valour won its first contest of the year with a 2-0 road victory over York United FC in Ontario, but has since gone 10matches without a road ‘W.’ Since then the club has four draws and six losses away from IG Field.All-Time: Valour FC vs. York United FC (previously York 9)Overall: (win-draw-loss): 7-2-6Last meeting: July 23 at IG Field: Valour FC 1 York United FC 2