York United played spoilers Wednesday night at IG Field, taking down hosts Valour FC 2-1.
Wednesday’s tilt saw the return of fans to Canadian soccer stands for the first time in over 600 days. Valour fans were welcomed to IG Field to limited capacity with supporters group Red River Rising in full voice.
That cheering seemed to spur Winnipeg onto an early goal from Andrew Jean-Baptiste nodded home an opener in the fifth minute and went on to blow kisses to the new crowd.
York striker Lowell Wright answered back soon after with his first of the season after slicing home a header off a pacey cross. York grabbed a second in the 48th minute when Dominick Zator somehow headed in a looping effort that beat goalkeeper Matt Silva.
Controversy came late in the second half when Brazilian newcomer Rafael Galhardo found the net on a brilliant free-kick but it was later called back.
Here are your sights and sounds for Wednesday’s historic game.
GOAL ?@ValourFootball get the 1st goal of the match vs. @YorkUtdFC as Andrew Jean-Baptiste scores a ferocious header off a corner kick #CanPL | ? https://t.co/hishXepRT3 pic.twitter.com/Ih6hhJieTK
— OneSoccer (@onesoccer) July 8, 2021
GOAL ?@YorkUtdFC strike back, as Lowell Wright gives @ValourFootball a taste of a ferocious headed effort, too #CanPL | ? https://t.co/hishXepRT3 pic.twitter.com/n2i0brfInx
— OneSoccer (@onesoccer) July 8, 2021
GOAL ??
Dominick Zator makes it TWO for @YorkUtdFC, who take a 2-1 lead over @ValourFootball off a set piece #CanPL | ? https://t.co/hishXepRT3 pic.twitter.com/hNKv9eMnbm
— OneSoccer (@onesoccer) July 8, 2021
? ~ ~ ~ S C E N E S ~ ~ ~ ?#CanPL | ? https://t.co/hishXepRT3 pic.twitter.com/hPQuxlnFhs
— OneSoccer (@onesoccer) July 8, 2021