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Photo Credit: John Jacques
York United 2-2 Forge: 905 Thriller Ends In Draw
By A first half full of goals provided an entertaining match for York United and Forge fans. In the end, both teams had to be satisfied with a point after a 2-2 draw following the first 905 Derby of the season.
There were just two changes for York following their heartbreaking 3-2 reverse in the nation’s capital last time out. Elijah Adekugbe and Adonijah Reid were taken out, the former nursing a knock. In their places were Kembo Kibato and Shola Jimoh.
As for Forge, there were three adjustments to their starting lineup from their 1-1 draw last weekend with Valour. David Choiniere, Tristan Borges, and Rezart Rama entered for Nana Ampomah, Noah Jensen, and Khadim Kane.
The game’s first goal came in the 12th minute. Alessandro Hojabrpour played a pass over the top to Borges, who immediately clipped it into the box. The ball ultimately fell to Rama, whose effort was initially denied by Diego Urtiaga, but the right back converted the follow-up to put his side ahead.
Forge’s lead lasted a matter of moments, as York went back the other way and found their leveller. Julian Altobelli drove into space then found Riley Ferrazzo. Cutting in, the wide man curled his effort into the opposite corner, beating a helpless Jassem Koleilat.
The Nine Stripes dominated proceedings after going down, and earned a penalty 15 minutes after equalizing. Off a corner, Altobelli’s header crashed off the bar. The former TFC 2 man won the ball back, and slalomed his way into the box before being brought down by Borges.
There was no hesitation from the referee in pointing to the spot. Altobelli stepped up and sent Koleilat the wrong way to give the hosts the lead.
Forge woke up from an attacking standpoint after going down. Kyle Bekker played a first-time ball to Brian Wright. The former York man raced in on goal, but he took too long to get a proper shot off, with Urtiaga able to come out and deny him.
Minutes later, the Hammers won a penalty. Borges’ corner was met by the hand of Nyal Higgans. Once again, the referee immediately blew his whistle and pointed to the spot. Wright stepped up and converted against his former employers to tie things up.
The second half failed to live up to the excitement the opening 45 minutes provided. Perhaps the best opportunity came at the hour mark. Oswaldo Leon was the first to a dangerously whipped corner, but the skipper only managed to put the ball over the bar.
Twenty minutes from time, Altobelli had a chance to grab a second. From just outside of the box, he goes for goal, forcing an awkward save from Koleilat. The Forge shotstopper nearly punched the ball into his own net.
Once again, York scores twice and fails to win. They are on four points from as many matches. Next for the Nine Stripes will be a Friday night clash at home to Cavalry.
As for Forge, who claim a point for the second week running, they are in third spot with eight points. Next for the Hamiltonians will be consecutive gamed versus the Halifax Wanderers – next Saturday’s league outing at Wanderers Grounds, then a home game in the Canadian Championship the following Wednesday.
Header Image Photo Credit: John Jacques
