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Petrasso Procures York United Return
By The York United roster now only has room for two further additions following the return of midfielder Michael Petrasso on a one-year deal.
The former Queens Park Rangers and Valour midfielder will return for a fourth season with York United, having made 13 appearances last season in a year that was heavily impacted injury spells.
Petrasso’s time in the Canadian Premier League has seen him deemed as somewhat of a glass cannon, showing exemplarily skills and gains when on the pitch, but with injuries significantly impacting his overall minutes.
He suited up for Valour FC in the inaugural Canadian Premier League season, missing most of the spring campaign but enjoying a strong fall season, tallying six goals and five assists in twenty appearances.
His debut campaign with York occurred during the shortened bubble tournament in 2020, where a groin strain meant he only saw 130 minutes of action on the pitch. The club still re-signed him on a two-year deal, and the following year saw Petrasso repay the faith: he bagged three goals and seven assists in 24 appearances, including one in York United’s first-ever playoff appearance.
A strong loan spell with Barnet followed, with Petrasso’s eight-goal campaign seeing him fondly dubbed ‘The Canadian Messi’ during his return to England, where he’d once suited up for Queens Park Rangers.
The midfielder had been out-of-contract since the end of his thirteen-appearance campaign last year, and had been hoping to materialize a move back to European soil. With the transfer window now closed, however, Petrasso will now embark on a return to York Lions Stadium.
“He has performed in big moments and we really believe that he can be a very important player for us in 2023,” said Club President Angus McNab. “Last season was certainly frustrating for him but we all feel that he will be back stronger this year. There’s no doubt that a fit and highly-motivated Michael Petrasso is one of the most dangerous players in the league.”
Nine Stripes head coach Martin Nash also believes that Petrasso ‘brings a spark and energy that gives defenders problems’, with the fast-footed winger adding an extra dimension for the side when he’s healthy.
Related: Toronto FC Trades Luca Petrasso To Orlando City
York United has once again been amongst the frontrunners in filling up their roster, though last year forced them to pivot with multiple new signings during a hefty injury crisis.
If the Nine Stripes roster stays healthy, it’s fair to say an attack featuring the likes of Michael Petrasso, Osaze De Rosario, and Molham Babouli is one to be feared amongst the league.
Petrasso returns to York Lions Stadium one a one-year deal.
Header Image Credit: John Jacques