2021 CPL regular season — Match #58
Atlético Ottawa vs. York United
September 1, 2021 at 7:00 pm ET
TD Place, Ottawa, Ontario
Watch Live: OneSoccer.ca // Tickets available here

STARTING LINEUPS:

Atlético Ottawa: Teodor Obadal, Viti Martinez, Ben McKendry, Alberto Soto, Brian Wright, Zach Verhoven, Miguel Acosta, Tevin Shaw, Malcolm Shaw, Rafael Nunez, Matthew Arnone

York United: Nathan Ingham, Jordan Wilson, Dominick Zator, Alvaro Rivero, Nicholas Hamilton, Max Ferrari, Julian Ulbricht, Noah Verhoeven, Diyaeddine Abzi, Michael Petrasso, Isaiah Johnston

MATCH PREVIEW:

For the second match in a row — and fourth time in their last five matches in all competitions — York United are involved in an all-Ontario matchup, as they head to TD Place to take on Atlético Ottawa.

Both sides were involved in four-goal matches this past weekend. Diyaeddine Abzi scored the only goal for The Nine Stripes in a 3-1 905 Derby defeat to Forge FC in Hamilton, while Ottawa — down to ten players — drew 2-2 thanks to a 75th minute penalty scored by Malcolm Shaw.

Ryan Telfer was the player sent off for Ottawa in that match, picking up a yellow card for a poor tackle at the end of the first half, and being sent off moments later after the ensuing skirmish in the middle of the pitch. Ottawa was already short players, only naming four substitutes in that match as they continue to deal with injuries, and will be without one of their best attackers for the match against his former team.

These sides have met twice before — a 0-0 draw at the Island Games in 2020, and a 1-1 draw in Atlético’s second-ever home match on August 18th, just a few weeks ago. Alvaro Rivero scored the opening goal for York, but with moments left in the match, Alberto Soto equalized to steal a point for the home side.

Three points on Wednesday would see Ottawa jump from 8th place to 6th place, as their 12 points are two back of HFX Wanderers and FC Edmonton above them. It would also leave them just two points behind fifth-placed York. A win for The Nine Stripes would put them two points back of Valour FC in fourth — and a coveted playoff spot.

Make your match picks prior to kickoff at canpl.ca/predictor for a chance to win prizes, including the grand prize of a trip to the 2021 CPL Final!

3 THINGS TO WATCH:

• Max Ferrari rewarded with contract extension after impressive first half of the season: One of York United’s best players this season has been young midfielder Max Ferrari. Ferrari, who recently turned 21, has started all of York’s 14 CPL matches this season, playing over 1100 minutes and showing his versatility at several attacking and defensive positions. He leads the team with three assists, and has scored in both the CPL and Canadian Championship in a breakout campaign. He was rewarded on Tuesday with a contract extension that sees the two parties commit to one another until 2024. “I think it’s huge,” said his head coach Jimmy Brennan on Tuesday afternoon. “Max is a local boy, he’s had a hell of a season so far, and it’s only right that you tie him down because he deserves it. He’s a great kid, willing to learn, and how he plays is how he trains as well — every single day he comes in, puts his head down, works hard, and competes every single day.”
• Ottawa still missing key players: Ottawa were missing several key players in their last match against HFX Wanderers — with Drew Beckie, Chris Mannella, Milovan Kapor and Dylon Powley among those missing out. Head coach Mista didn’t have any immediate injury updates on those players, but did say that he’s relying on everyone to step up and try to pick up points still despite the absences, saying “at this moment, I need everyone.” Ryan Telfer also misses out after being sent off against Halifax, and time will tell who is available to start tomorrow. Recent signings Nyal Higgins and Myles Cornwall stepped into the backline last time out, as did young goalkeeper Teodor Obadal — all players in contention for minutes on Wednesday as Ottawa’s depth is tested at an important time of the season.
• York can put pressure on Valour with win: With a victory, York United would move two points back of Valour for the fourth and final playoff spot. York have a game in hand, so if they beat Ottawa and follow it up with three points in their next match, and Valour lose to Cavalry this weekend, York would jump into that coveted fourth spot. Those are a lot of ifs, but it just goes to show how close this race for the playoffs is in the CPL, and the need to thrive under pressure. “It’s huge for us,” said Brennan of Wednesday’s match. “We need to get a win tomorrow, get those three points. We’ll be right on their heels, and that’s what we want. Our goal is just to pick up as many points as we can, and obviously we had a loss the other day against Forge, we’ve just got to get ourselves back on track again with another big performance tomorrow.”

ALL-TIME SERIES

Atlético Ottawa wins: 0 || York United wins: 0 || Draws: 2

Previous match:

August 18, 2021 — Atlético Ottawa 1-1 York United

KEY QUOTES

“York is a very competitive team, they have players of good quality. We need to work a lot if we’re going to win this game.” — Atlético Ottawa head coach Mista

“They’re at home, I expect them to be on the front foot, and expect the fans to be pushing them forward. They’re missing [Ryan] Telfer, they’ve got a few injuries as well, so not exactly sure what the lineup is going to be, but I think it’ll be a good match tomorrow.” — York United head coach Jimmy Brennan