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Forge 1-2 York United: Soumaoro Stunner Shocks Hosts
By A midweek 905 Derby in the Canadian Premier League lived up to its billing. In a game with plenty of drama, visiting side York United came away with all three points as they defeated Forge 2-1 at Tim Hortons Field.
To the surprise of no one, Forge’s starting eleven saw seven changes from Saturday’s 1-0 victory at Atlético Ottawa. In the eleven included David Choiniere, who scored the late goal on the weekend. Forge also played in their away kits for the first time this season.
As for York, they came into this one off the back of a 2-0 win over Cavalry at home on Sunday. The Nine Stripes had five changes to their starting lineup. The most significant incoming players were Jonathan Grant and Mo Babouli, both of whom once donned the orange and grey of Forge.
The hosts nearly took the lead 75 seconds of play. Choiniere ran down the right wing, picking Jordan Hamilton out with his cross. Unfortunately for the striker, his header hit the crossbar and went out of play.
Nine minutes in, York was awarded a penalty. Austin Ricci’s attempted cross came off the arm of Rezart Rama. The referee did not hesitate in pointing to the spot, giving the Forge right back a yellow card. On the ensuing penalty, Babouli’s shot was denied by Triston Henry. Going to the keeper’s right hand side, Henry easily gathered his former teammate’s spot kick to keep the score 0-0.
Forge went down the field after that penalty, with their attack ending with a shot on target. Choiniere took the shot, which went straight to Niko Giantsopoulos, who was equal to it. Minutes later, Forge captain Kyle Bekker had a hit from 25 yards out which just missed the target.
At the 30-minute mark, with a free kick at the edge of the box, Lassana Faye went straight at the goal. The York full back hit the side netting, but was close to giving Henry something to think about.
Moments later, Bekker was at it again. The midfielder was picked out by Choinière, who smartly cut the ball back to him. This time, Bekker’s shot was denied by Grant. Had the former Hammer not got his body in the way, the attempt would have likely went in.
Grant was again involved just before half-time. On this occasion, however, he was the one having his shot blocked. Hitting an impressive volley first time, Grant’s effort was blocked by Kwasi Poku. It was a dangerous effort, which would have certainly given Henry problems had it went through.
A few minutes into the second half, York would go in front. After a smart tackle in the midfield by Grant, the ball fell to Ricci. After beating his man, the York attacker squared the ball in. Alessandro Hojabrpour tried to cut it out, but unfortunately for the defensive midfielder, his redirection took it past Henry and into the net. Hojabrpour was credited with the own goal as a result.
As they have this season, Forge brought more energy after going down. Bobby Smyrniotis did a triple change 10 minutes after the goal to put on some fresh legs. That would prove to be pivotal.
With 15 minutes left to play, Forge got their goal. After receiving the ball from a quick throw in, Bekker won some space and whipped the ball in. A rather deep cross found substitute Terran Campbell, whose header went back across the goal and in. It seemed like a somewhat harmless header until the ball nestled into the bottom corner of the goal.
A couple minutes later, the hosts had a glorious chance at taking the lead. Ashtone Morgan fired in a shot that was going wide. Instead, the ball redirected to Woobens Pacius, whose shot ended up just wide. Giantsopoulos was completely beaten, but somehow the ball did not go in.
Moments after Noah Jensen fired wide, York United found their winner. Afforded enough space, Brem Soumaoro decided to have a go from 30 plus yards away. HIs thunderbolt beat Henry, who could not keep it out despite getting a tip on the ball.
That would be the last meaningful play of the game, as York held on for a crucial 2-1 win at the home of their biggest rivals. The result sees Martin Nash’s side move up to second in the table with 12 points from eight matches. They head to Winnipeg on Sunday for a match against Valour after handing defeats to Forge, Cavalry, and Halifax, who were all previously unbeaten.
As for Forge, they remain at the top of the league despite the defeat: a first in the league in 2023. With 15 points from eight games, the Hammers will head to Spruce Meadows for a clash against Cavalry on Saturday.
Header Image Photo Credit: Canadian Premier League