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Photo Credit: John Jacques
York United 2-2 Atletico Ottawa: Wasteful Nine Stripes Claim Point
By In a match with plenty of opportunities, York United and Atletico Ottawa once again played to a stalemate. This time, the game ended 2-2 at York Lions Stadium, a result that helps neither team.
Both teams came into the contest off the back of a win. For York, they defeated Cavalry 3-1 at home last time out. Just one change was made to the starting lineup this time, as Steffen Yeates, returning from international duty, replaced Nyal Higgins.
As for Ottawa, they claimed a 2-0 victory over Pacific in front of their fans last Saturday. Similar to their opponents, only one adjustment was made from Diego Mejia. That came in the midfield as Aboubacar Sissoko slotted in for David Castro.
It took Ottleti seven and a half minutes to go in front. Gabriel Antinoro slipped a pass into Ballou Tabla, who in turn played in Sam Salter via a deflection. The CPL’s goalscoring leader on the year took a touch then fired a low shot past Diego Urtiaga to give the guests an early lead.
The lead would last for a little more than two minutes as the hosts found an equalizer. Yeates and Max Ferrari played a give-and-go, allowing for the former to create space in the box. Upon getting the ball back, the Trinidadian put his shot past Nathan Ingham to tie things up.
York nearly went in front in the 30th minute. Shaan Hundal did enough to throw off Loic Cloutier, but the striker’s volley went straight to Ingham.
Ten minutes later, Hundal had another great opportunity. After being found by Yeates, the Nine Stripes’ number nine skied his one-on-one effort, letting Ottawa off the hook once more.
Tabla nearly gave his team a second on the stroke of halftime. After nutmegging Frank Sturing, the winger had a go, but Urtiaga was there to deny him.
York’s best chance to take the lead came in first half stoppage time. Once again, Hundal was involved. After combining with Yeates, he found himself in on goal. Despite sitting Ingham down, Hundal’s shot went straight at the Ottleti keeper, who kept it out. Yeates’ follow up was cleared on the line by Emmanuel Mbomio.
Just like the opening 45, Ottawa struck early to commence the second half. Manny Aparicio was afforded too much space on the wing, whipping in an inch-perfect cross to Salter. The number nine headed the ball home past a helpless Urtiaga to give his side their second lead of the day.
York showed some more resilience, as they went level five minutes later. Off the second phase of a corner, Adonijah Reid found Sturing in the box. The centreback put his shot beyond Urtiaga to tie things up.
Having conceded moments after scoring once more, Ottawa went back on the attack, and nearly found a third. David Rodriguez had a go, which Urtiaga kept out with a good stop.
Midway through the half, York tried to get through several Ottawa bodies in their box. While several players had a chance to get the shot in, Massimo Ferrin had an attempt, which went over the bar.
Julian Altobelli came on in attempts to find a breakthrough for the hosts. That very nearly came in the 76th minute, when he got into the box and beat a couple of opponents. Facing just Ingham, the striker ultimately hit his shot off the bar and out.
Ottawa had the final chance of what was a great match for the neutral. Joaquim Coulanges played in Salter, who was looking for his hattrick. Out came Urtiaga, who did an excellent job in closing the angle. Salter’s strike was thwarted by the York keeper.
The game ended 2-2, a result that neither team would be happy with. For York, they stay in fourth spot, three points behind Cavalry, but a point ahead of HFX Wanderers. Next for them is a trip out to BC to battle Vancouver FC.
As for Ottleti, they lose out on the chance to go level with Forge, who lost their game on Thursday. Mejia’s side is now two points behind the Hammers, who they host next Sunday after the pair play in the Canadian Championship in midweek.
Header Image Photo Credit: John Jacques
