Tonight, York United entertain Valour FC at York Lions Stadium in a fixture marked with an asterisk. This match signifies the Canadian Premier League's 500th fixture, and The Nine Stripes aim to etch their names in history by clinching the points.

It offers the possibility of a thrilling encounter between two teams who have faced their fair share of struggles this season.

"It's been a long time coming I guess but I didn't realize it'd be 500 games. It's incredible for this league. It keeps growing over the years. It's been fantastic to be a part of it and watch it grow and see the level of Canadian soccer get better," Head Coach Martin Nash said in pre-match press conference.

"It's a great milestone and here's to the next 500."

Valour have no points on the board after losing all four matches including last week’s 2-0 defeat to Atletico Ottawa at TD Place but that doesn’t mean they will be pushovers.

Last season, Valour came to York Lions Stadium on two occasions and racked up a maximum six points. So, Nash knows how quickly the pendulum can swing in this league.

"I think it's our energy and urgency in the game for us not to really worry about what the other teams gonna do or not do. I think if we come with the right energy and urgency and play the way we're capable of and we have every chance of winning. But if we don't come with that energy and urgency, it's going to be a long night," he added.

"I know this team [Valour FC], they're going to come and fight. Phil’s [Dos Santos] teams are always putting in an effort so I think we've just got to beat their intensity and we should be in a good place."

"I think like any other team you want to start on the front foot and I think we've really done that in two games this year. We started that way in Ottawa [Atletico] and at home to Vancouver and they are two of our better performances. We need to start right mentally, physically, with the right energy and intensity. And I think if we can do that, we will be in a good position coming into the night."

Ahead of this fixture, York United have been handed a boost with left back Orlando Botello back in training but questions remain about the fitness of those who missed the Pacific clash, including right-back Juan Córdova.

Ridwan Ibrahim Asante

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