‘Our Compete Level Has Risen’: York United Make Win Streak History

For the first time ever, York United has won three straight matches – and what a way to do it.

Wins against Halifax, Cavalry, and Forge – who were all previously undefeated this season – have catapulted the Nine Stripes up to second in league standings, with the club flying high after a Brem Soumaoro wondergoal carved out three points in Hamilton last night.

Before the hot run of form, a 4-1 away loss to Pacific saw Martin Nash unleash his temper in the locker room, triggering some ‘soul searching’ that has led to the significant turnaround in form.

“I think our collective energy’s been better, our compete level has risen,” reflected Nash following last night’s win. “There’s a number of reasons for it, we were close early in the year and we had a low point as a team at Pacific away.”

“We did some soul searching with who we are, where we’re going, and what we want to be, and we turned it around quite quick in that week in Halifax. The guys have been phenomenal, and I believe this is the first time York’s won three games in a row as a club. It’s great to do it against our closest rival.”

Having lost three of its first four matches this season, the Nine Stripes endured some early injury struggles which imposed some roster rotation on Nash, who told his players last weekend that they need to take their chances when they’re called to play.

Now back on track, this weekend will see them travel to face a Valour FC side which handed them their first loss of the season.

While the recent results are positive, there’s still room for improvement: Forge certainly had their chances last night, and Cavalry had pinged one off the post before that – there are still some danger signings looming.

The club also has yet to see strikers Austin Ricci, Osaze De Rosario, or Brian Wright find the net in league play this season. Still, they’ve bagged nine goals in from their opening eight matches, with centre-back Brem Soumaoro currently the only player to score more than once.

“I think as a team, two weeks ago we sat down and talked with eachother,” added the Liberian international himself. “Now we’ve won three games in a row, so it helps with the team, with chemistry, and everything. We are on a good way.”

Sitting next to Martin Nash in the postgame conference, the atmosphere certainly matched what he was saying.

“I think he’s proud of me,” said a smiling Soumaoro. “Until the next game!”

Header Image Photo Credit: Canadian Premier League