HIGHLIGHTS: York United vs. Pacific FC (June 18, 2022)

Neither York United nor Pacific FC was able to solve the other’s defence on Saturday at York Lions Stadium, as the two sides battled to a fierce 0-0 draw to begin the CPL’s weekend.

Heading into this key league clash, York received a significant boost in the return of Max Ferrari, who started on the wing after missing significant time to start the season. Pacific, meanwhile, returned a similar lineup to the one they deployed last weekend at Forge, though Matteo Polisi came into the squad as Josh Heard returned to the front three.

Also of note in this match, Pacific wore their alternate kits — designed by Coast Salish artist Maynard Johnny Jr. — in honour of National Indigenous People’s Day upcoming on June 21. More info on the jersey’s significance is available here.

After a cagey first 20 minutes or so, in which neither side found a breakthrough but York enjoyed a little more time in Pacific’s half, the Nine Stripes were forced to alter their game plan. Sebastian Gutiérrez, lined up on the left side of their 4-4-2 formation, went down to injury and couldn’t continue, which prompted coach Martin Nash to bring Mouhamadou Kane into the match in his Gutiérrez’s stead.

Regardless of the change, though, neither side was able to establish a significant advantage for the balance of the first half, as they went into halftime at 0-0 — without a shot on target from either side. Pacific coach James Merriman went to his bench to start the second half, as he deployed Luca Ricci into midfield in place of Matthew Baldisimo.

York were first to trouble the opposing net in the second frame, as Diyaeddine Abzi played a cross through the box behind Pacific’s backline and it fell to Ferrari at the back post, but the young winger was unable to bring the ball down to finish. Not long after, Abzi burst through from the left half-space and seemed to be in alone on goal, but Pacific keeper Callum Irving cut down the angle well and Abzi put his shot wide of the post.

Both managers made a handful of changes toward the end of the second half, both chasing a goal to win the match in the dying stages; York brought on Eduardo Jesus and Noah Verhoeven, while the Tridents added Gianni Dos Santos, Djenairo Daniels, and Nathan Mavila.

Ultimately, though, neither team could get in behind the other to put the ball in the net, and the sides played to another 0-0 draw (just as they did in the last league match they played). York thus extended their goalless streak to six CPL games, while Pacific are now winless in five straight league matches, as both teams took a hard-earned point from a tough match.

BOX SCORE

Goals

None

Discipline

8′ –Yellow: Jamar Dixon (Pacific FC)
45+2′ — Yellow: Mateo Hernández (York United)
76′ — Yellow: Abdou Samake (Pacific FC)