Nine Stripes defied xG factor

The metric designed to measure the probability of a shot, based on historical information, ending in a goal is known as Expected Goals (xG).

With an xG value of 0.29 [compared to the 2.19 by Valour], it meant York United were less fancied to find the back of the net but they defied the odds. The Nine Stripes raced into the lead four minutes after the break from just their second shot on target - Mo Babouli struck from inside the box after collecting a square pass from winger Clement Bayiha.

First draw of the season

York United split points for the first time this season and it was a hard fought battle. It was their second consecutive away game after putting champions Forge FC to the sword four days earlier in Hamilton. The Nine Stripes threw bodies on the line with another impressive performance. Playing on the counter paid off. Valour had 60% of ball possession, 25 [v York’s 11] touches of the ball in the opponent area and total shots of 25 [v 5] but could not carve open the visitors.

"They're really organized. Their two midfielders - they get forward, do a great job on your back four and they have got lively wingers. They got a bit of everything," said Head Coach Martin Nash in his post-game press conference.

"They don't give a lot of chances away and they did it today again. We were able to carve one out but not many more. We always knew they're going to be tough a team to beat and I'm proud of the effort the guys put in to hold on to a draw."

Austin Ricci’s energy

Operating on the left side of attack, Austin Ricci worked his socks off.

He was at his combative best and assisted left back Lassana Faye in defensive duties. In the 20th minute he made a timely intervention when backtracking to clear out a loose ball and denied winger Pacifique Niyongabire from pulling the trigger inside the box. He had 50% successful dribbles and also won 50% of his tackles. The best Good thing is he lasted the entire duration.

Niko Giantsopoulos stands tall again

Despite conceding, Niko Giantsopoulos put on a show and he was the reason why York United got a point from the match. He produced three quality saves including the 39th minute Save of the Match. Giantsopoulos spectacularly pushed away Kian Williams’ stupendous strike after the Valour FC forward had cut in from the left and whipped the effort towards the top corner. Also in the first half, he flew like a bird to grab a dangerous aerial ball and in the process got clipped by Matteo de Brienne. On 65 minutes, he spread his body to block Anthony Novak’s shot at goal in a one-on-one situation. He got beaten by a long range shot for the equalizer but the Gaffer was still full of praise for his number one.

"Yeah, he’s fantastic. He's been great all year. He's kept us in games when we haven't been at our best defensively," Nash said.

"He gets a bit more action than I'd like but he was immense tonight. And I think, funnily enough, he'd like to have the goal back because he got a whole hand to it. But it was a great strike, so with everything he did today we can't complain."

Ridwan Ibrahim Asante

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