August 26, 2022...Strength of Character and Mentality Crucial to Tough Cavalry Test, Says Nash (from York United FC website)

STRENGTH OF CHARACTER AND MENTALITY CRUCIAL TO TOUGH CAVALRY TEST, SAYS NASH

The Nine Stripes were victorious last time out in Calgary and are looking to make it three wins in a row.

York United are chasing a third straight win and their opponent is another Canadian Premier League
heavyweight Calvary FC this afternoon at Spruce Meadows.

Still basking in last week’s 3-1 derby win at Forge FC, the Nine Stripes hope to replicate that
performance in Calgary.

Head Coach Martin Nash said at his pre-match conference:

"I think the atmosphere is great right now. Everyone's in a positive mood. Winning two in a row
is massive. The guys are in a great mood. They're positive. They're ready to give a big effort
and we're gonna need it."

On road, York United have managed three wins [including July’s 1-0 win over Tommy Wheeldon Jnr’s
side], three draws and four defeats.

The team has proven they have the fortitude for the big games in the league and the boss loved
what he saw in training this week.

"I think the guys are in a good place. They're lively in training, and they're looking forward
to each match. It's gonna be tough game but I think the guys are ready to work hard."

Nash is still without first-choice goalkeeper Niko Giantsopoulos - who put up a Man-Of-The-Match
performance for that famous win at ATCO Field - due to an ankle injury, though replacement
Eleias Himaras has starred in the back-to-back victories over FC Edmonton and Forge.

Also unavailable for selection are Paris Gee and Mateo Hernandez who both picked up knocks
at Tim Hortons Field.

Still, Nash doesn’t think the absentees should affect their shape and how they approach this
assignment.

"The strength of character and the mentality have to be exactly the same," he added.

"We know it's not going to be easy, they’re gonna have large periods with the ball. We've got
to be patient and get pressure on the ball in our half, stop them getting in between our lines
and look to hit them on the counter when it's on. When it's off, let's keep it and be clever."

OPPONENT WATCH:

Cavalry have been in fine form at ATCO Field with seven wins and three losses this season
in 10 Canadian Premier League contests at home.

In their last six league matches, Cavalry have won two and lost four. York9, meanwhile, have won
four and lost two in their last six.

The Cavs have Myer Bevan (hamstring) and Sergio Camargo (hamstring) sidelined for this encounter.

Ridwan Ibrahim Asante

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