There was little to choose between York9 FC and Valour FC on Saturday, as the sides anti-climactically split points, giving The Island Games its first 0-0 draw.
While defences triumphed on the day, both teams can find positives in their attacking play with 20 shots combined, split equally.
A combative first half was relatively even as the clubs fought for an edge in the midday PEI heat. York9 held the run of play to start, testing Valour goalkeeper James Pantemis from distance. Valour’s attack threatened on the counter with Austin Ricci and Moses Dyer providing an intense, energetic pairing in the middle.
York9 midfielder Michael Petrasso was forced to leave the game in the 37th minute due to a lower-body injury. Petrasso had only just returned from injury, making his first start for the Nine Stripes. A similar injury scenario was presented to Valour at the start of the second half when Brett Levis was subbed out.
The cagey nature of the contest continued into the second half. Play rarely opened up, as defences tightened. York9 had the better of the scoring opportunities, though low-percentage, in the final 45 minutes.
The best chance of the game came for Ryan Telfer in injury time, but the Y9’s talented winger sent his shot wide from just yards way.
Valour will be back in action when they face Pacific FC on Tuesday (8pm ET, 9pm AT/OneSoccer). Up next for York9 FC is the 905 Derby against Forge FC on Wednesday (1pm ET, 2pm AT/OneSoccer).
BOX SCORE
Goals
None
Discipline
22’ Yellow – Manuel Aparicio (York9 FC)
22’ Yellow – Raphael Ohin (Valour FC)
KEYS TO THE MATCH
Valour FC: Be fearless in attack – Despite a lack of goals, Valour FC’s attack was quite effective on the day, properly pressuring York9’s defence and creating a handful of scoring chances. Plenty of creativity from Masta Kacher, Austin Ricci, and Moses Dyer, though there were few chances.
York9 FC: Deny Valour’s right side – A credible performance for York9, specifically by Ryan Telfer and Diyaeddine Abzi, for keeping Valour’s potent right-sided attack at bay. Save for a clear-cut chance created for Kacher, Stefan Cebara and Fraser Aird were almost completely neutralized after an effective first two Island Games matches.
