RECAP + HIGHLIGHTS: York United FC vs. Valour FC | Sept. 28, 2025

York United FC clinched the Canadian Premier League's final playoff spot on Sunday afternoon at York Lions Stadium, as they saw off Valour FC 1-0 to officially eliminate the Winnipeg club from postseason contention.

Neither side had many surprises in the team sheet, though York had the welcome boost of Julian Altobelli returning to the starting XI for the first time since Aug. 17. Valour, meanwhile, gave the start in goal to Eleias Himaras who faced his former club for a second time this year.

York had the advantage in possession throughout the match, but it was actually Valour who threatened a little more in the opening half-hour. They were more direct and aggressive with the shots they attempted, though some of the attempts were too ambitious to challenge Diego Urtiaga, being shots from distance or speculative crosses.

Valour did out-shoot York nine to four in the first half, but York had three on target while the Winnipeggers had just one. Ultimately, Valour couldn't turn their visits to the attacking half into many truly dangeorus chances.

Much like they did last time they hosted Valour, York found a way through just before halftime.

The home side worked the ball through the middle of the pitch, where Leonel López found Massimo Ferrin, who drove toward the box and drew the attention of Valour's backline. Ferrin cut to his left before slipping a pass to the right, where Julian Altobelli made a good run to receive and finished for his 10th goal of the CPL season (and first after an eight-game drought).

In the second half, York remained largely in control, and managed to keep Valour's attack even more at bay. It was a relatively calm affair toward the end, as neither side did much to trouble the goal.

The Nine Stripes saw things out from there quite professionally, limiting the visitors to just one off-target shot in the second half. Although their own attack was likewise fairly quiet toward the end of the game, it was about as comfortable as a 1-0 win can be.

York therefore guaranteed their return to the playoffs, and they'll continue fighting in the last three weeks of the season to get as high up the table as they can and ensure they get a home game in the postseason.

Valour, meanwhile, will once again not be playing beyond the end of the regular season, as they continue to search for their first trip to the playoffs.

BOX SCORE

Lineups

York United: Urtiaga; Ferrari, Sturing, Adekugbe, Botello; Kibato, Yeates; Jimoh (Da Silva 85'), López (Bitar 78'), Ferrin (Reid 66'); Altobelli (Hundal 66')

Valour FC: Himaras; Alarcón (Egwu 62'), Konincks, Facchineri, Antonoglou; Twardek (Figueiredo 62'), Ohin, Ressurreição (Venâncio 76'), Faria (Romeo 87'); Froese (Pop 76'), Morgan

Goals

44' — Julian Altobelli (York United)

Discipline

40' — Yellow: Themi Antonoglou (Valour FC)
52' — Yellow: Julian Altobelli (York United)
65' — Yellow: Bruno Figueiredo (Valour FC)
72' — Yellow: Roberto Alarcón (Valour FC)
80' — Yellow: Gabriel Bitar (York United)