Over York United’s last two seasons, Brian Wright has frequently been a scapegoat, perhaps for good reason. Since signing for his hometown club, Wright’s scoring touch displayed in Ottawa has run dry. However, on Friday night another batch of dangerous chances came his way. Despite a couple of shots going astray, Wright bagged a brace, powering York to a massive 3-0 victory over Canadian Premier League-leaders Vancouver FC.
To put a bow on his impressive night, Wright notched an assist on Dennis Salanović’s first goal in blue and green. York’s attack was ticking at a much higher level than the previous fixtures. Albeit not entirely convincing, the forwards gelled together, each playing a role tailor-made for them.
For Wright, who’s shown high potential as a playmaker, that meant bouncing between wide and central areas. Wright’s position has always fluctuated, however, in the two-striker system Martin Nash opted for, Wright could drop and be a second striker or provide support on the wing. He’s had similar duties in the past, potentially so others could get in front of goal. On Friday, Wright proved that he’s more than deserving of playing striker full-time. It was emotional for a player who says he’s been aiming for performances like this.
“[There’s been] a lot of ups and downs,” Wright said. “Obviously, as a striker, I want to be scoring goals or getting assists, but ultimately, having a consistent performance is what’s most important. If I can’t score on a day, so long as I’m putting in the good work for the team, it’s all that matters.”
Wright tends to go on streaks, both hot and cold. Scoring twice to snap his and the team’s funk is certainly a sight for sore eyes.
Switching positions in-game wasn’t just a duty for Wright, Salanović did so too when he was brought on. Still in the recovery process, the Liechtensteiner travelled his fair share of ground and helped lead the line alongside Wright, injecting the energy and willingness that York was craving. Salanović is part of York’s vast network of players recuperating from knocks. Juan Córdova, Frank Sturing, and Brem Soumaoro all returned to the pitch, convenient timing as the Nine Stripes have a busy week featuring a Canadian Championship showdown with Forge. These additions to the active player pool fit Nash’s 4-4-2 brilliantly.
“I thought Dennis, when he came on, did well,” Nash said, “he had some good moments, you can see the quality he has. It’s nice to start getting some guys back fit again. I thought Frank was fantastic considering he’s, you know, trained for three, four days and that’s it.”
Yet, for all of the faces new and old showing out, Mo Babouli remains the lifeblood of York’s attack. Placed in an unorthodox left winger position to start the night, by the end he was cutting inside, carving through Vancouver’s central defence. Babouli has provided support at the back for Orlando Botello and is carrying the ball for staggering lengths. After inheriting the captain’s armband, Nash would hope that Babouli continues to let his play do the talking.
Strong performance from York’s wingers shuts down Vancouver’s signature crossing
Going into Friday, the Eagles had attempted a remarkable 73 crosses in their three matches this season. But under the lights in Toronto, Vancouver’s wing play couldn’t hit their stride. The absence of Kadin Chung, sidelined thanks to a foot injury in midweek, did hurt. James Cameron was thrust into the starting lineup, and his centreback profile couldn’t replicate Chung’s adept crossing skills. Afshin Ghotbi made a necessary swap at halftime, slotting Tyler Crawford into Cameron’s position, but after Crawford ceded an injury of his own, it became clear that it just wasn’t Vancouver’s night to depend on their typical gameplan.
“I’ve learned that young players aren’t consistent,” said Ghotbi, referencing Cameron (19) and Crawford (20). “They’ll have good days or bad days, and you just have to be patient with them and encourage them… we saw James didn’t really have a good first half and so we had to make a change. I thought Crawford started very brightly on the right side, we thought with Paris [Gee] on the right and Crawford on the left, we can get more football out of the flanks and better service from both sides. And unfortunately he got injured.”
The combinations between Ferrari and Córdova and Babouli and Botello were enough to shut down Gee, Gabriel Bitar, and the other weapons in Vancouver’s arsenal. Nash praised Babouli for aiding Botello, who individually was brilliant. He picked up loose balls from corners, whipping in crosses, not preventing any runs in behind, and showcasing the ability that a bright Rayados prospect has.
The stars are aligning in North York, and there couldn’t be a better time for it.