Match Analysis: York United 2-2 HFX Wanderers

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Match in a minute or less​

These familiar foes faced off in yet another thriller at York Lions Stadium. A defensive error from the Wanderers saw Àlvaro Rivero open the scoring early on but an offensive push from the visitors saw Akeem Garcia and Mamadi Camara turn things around 2-1. Eventually, York's persistence powered by their substitutes saw Julian Ulbricht tie things up to see both teams share the points.

Three Observations​

No Morelli, no problem for HFX Wanderers?​

Heading into the match coach Stephen Hart opted to make multiple changes to the starting lineup but one big name was missing. Despite having 14 goals to his name and often acting as the hero for the Wanderers, João Morelli was on the bench. However, the decision from Hart resulted in the opportunity for other players to step up and fill the scoring role - something of importance he emphasized prior to the match. And against York United, the players who were handed the chance took it. After being down just 13 minutes in, Hart's men found a way to fight back and the coach admitted after the match the team knows they can play from behind. Cory Bent was a threat down the right-wing throughout the entire first 45 minutes, Garcia did not slow down after tying things up, Camara struck his big opportunity sweetly and substitute Stefan Karajovanovic was key for the counter-attack throughout the second half. Morelli did eventually make an appearance coming around the 90-minute mark but there was limited time for him to make an impact. So despite being unable to hold on to victory, the Wanderers have a positive takeaway: they showed they can still be a threat without their main man. And with the playoffs looming, the performance from the attackers sends a reminder to other teams in the league that you need to be wary of their depth.

Second half response the turning point for York United​

Right from the first whistle, the hosts demonstrated they were not going to make it easy for their opponents. Coach Jimmy Brennan's side kept their shape well, were alert on every part of the pitch and stifled the Wanderers throughout the opening minutes. Their organization, as a result, was key in Rivero breaking the deadlock. Yet while York executed their game plan almost to perfection, the Wanderers hit back not once, but twice, leaving the hosts down 2-1 heading into the break. Brennan's men then came out of the half-time talk with the right mindset to try and level things up. "When half-time came we had a talk with the boys and we knew we had to bring more energy in the second half," said York's Noah Verhoeven. "I think in the second half we came out, we were on top of them right away, we had a little switch tactically and I think it was a big reason why we had more momentum." Between a surplus of substitutions and their necessary readjustment on the pitch, the hosts eventually put enough pressure on the Wanderers. Looking at their second-half statistics, they had 16 shots, 10 crosses and maintained 60 per cent possession - all of which were key in making things 2-2. After the match, Brennan applauded York's ability to respond and felt they should have held on to all three points. "After we scored that second goal, yeah of course we were celebrating but we felt something else was going to be coming," he said. "We had that one big scramble in the box where everybody had a shot but just couldn't put it in. We had a few corners that came after that and then the one that [Gutiérrez] scores, I thought it was a great delivery and he does well to finish it, but it's just disappointing they called a foul on it." If the team could have made their impressive adjustments earlier, it might have been a different result.

Missed opportunity for both teams​

Three vital points were up for grabs in Toronto as the teams were only separated by one point in the table so a win for either side would have undoubtedly been massive. But history once again repeated itself in this fixture and the points are shared yet again. As such, it left members of both teams wondering what could have been if they managed to pull off a win. "We came here for three points, we wanted to jump ahead and get in those playoff spots," admitted HFX Wanderers defender Peter Schaale. "Just to be in there, it looks nice looking at the table being in the top four. But we know we're not far away from it, we know we're confident right now... we can build on the game today again." "They're a point behind us and it's a big game for both teams every time we play them," said York's Verhoeven. "To get a tie out of it is not the worst thing, but the slow start is definitely why we've not been able to get a result." Looking down the final stretch, coach Hart suggested that the performance at York Lions Stadium showed why the battle for the final playoff spots will come right down to the wire. "I think if you look at some of the results out West that are happening and then the way we are all sharing points here in the East, it's going to come right down to the end," he said. If he's right, fans are in for a thrilling end to the regular season.

CanPL.ca Player of the Match​

Julian Ulbricht, York United The 22-year-old forward was one of coach Brennan's multiple substitutes in the second half but Ulbricht was the one with the most impact. A continuous threat who had four shots on target, his persistence paid off to help York earn a point at home.

What’s next?​

York United will stay at home for their next match as they host Atlético Ottawa on Friday, October 8 (7:30 pm ET). The HFX Wanderers, meanwhile, travel back to Halifax where they will host Forge FC on Wednesday, October 6 (6 pm ET). Watch all matches live on OneSoccer.

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