CPL Match Report — York United FC vs. Valour FC (September 13)
It was the perfect Friday evening under the bright lights at York Lions Stadium for a CPL matchup. The home team, York United FC, hosted Winnipeg’s Valour FC in a push for the playoffs. This season has been the best campaign since the team’s inception, so Luso Loonie was in attendance for what promised to be a good game.
The evening was Mexican themed which was appropriate for a Mexican Independence month and considering that a handful of players on the team, including the coach, are from Mexico. The south end of the field hosted a market with unique vendors. Before kickoff, I had some hibiscus strawberry juice and a churro as a mariachi performer sang aloud, “Viva Mexico”. It was a nice touch from the home team. All that was missing was a destination sponsor like an airline of sorts. Anyways, the night attracted many fans bearing flags and kits of their favourite team. Ironically, a Canadian Premier League game had no Canada flags other than the one that swayed on the scoreboard during the anthem. And then there was the whistle.
The first half saw York United control most of the game with consistent offence. There was some nifty playmaking when their sixteen-year-old, Shola Jimoh, scored a goal in the nineteenth minute. The crowd roared and the speakers played The Vengaboys in celebration. Somehow that was befitting for the moment, “we like to party”. The final minute saw an underwhelming equalizer from Valour FC and the game headed to half time.
The second half had as much offence with more aggression. The home team received four yellow cards, including the coach, but could not break through, however they did not concede a goal either. The match ended in a stalemate and York United are still in playoff contention with another month left in the regular season.
Final Score: York United FC 1 — Valour FC 1
All in all, it was a great evening and I wish I lived closer to attend more of these. Checking out a CPL matchup is a must for any footy fan in the GTA. Make sure you go and cheer on the Nine Stripes! Many thanks to Evan from The Portugal Corner for the media pass hookup. And check out their podcast for the best soccer discussions with some funny guys. Looking forward to a Portuguese night sometime in the future!
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