Match Day Information:VFC at YOR - Jul 19

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CPL Vancouver FC

Match Day Information:VFC at YOR - Jul 19

July 18, 2025 - Canadian Premier League (CPL)
Vancouver FC News Release


Langley, BC - Vancouver FC travels to Toronto, Ont., looking to build on a disciplined defensive performance last match week, a 0-0 draw against Cavalry FC. While the scoreline remained quiet, the result marked the team's first clean sheet of the season, signaling progress on the defensive end.

Despite the frustration of a red card shown to Nicolás Mezquida and the missed opportunity to claim three points, Head Coach Afshin Ghotbi's emphasis on minimizing risk and avoiding unnecessary situations seems to be paying off. The team's defensive shape and discipline in Calgary offer a glimpse of what's possible as the club continues to mature into the second half of the campaign.

MATCH STORY: Midseason Milestone: Chasing the Playoffs

As the season reached its midpoint, Vancouver FC looks to build on recent momentum and growing self-belief in a bid to return to winning form. The team remains focused on staying composed, maintaining confidence, and continuing its push toward a playoff spot in the second half of the campaign.

Following a string of solid performances, Vancouver now faces a direct rival in the playoff race, a matchup they view as a key turning point in the season. Coincidentally against the same opponent they opened the campaign with, this match presents an opportunity to begin rewriting their trajectory. With the current gap to the playoff line sitting at 10 points, a win could narrow that margin to just seven and serve as a launching pad for the second half. It's a moment to find the right formula, something the squad has been searching for throughout the first half of the year, and begin a historic push toward postseason contention.

From errors to actions

This season's matchups against York United have revealed a key trend: every goal scored by York, in both the 2-0 defeat at home and the 1-0 loss on the road, came from one source, attacker Julian Altobelli. His clinical finishing and ability to find space have made him a decisive figure in this fixture so far.

With another meeting on the horizon, Head Coach Afshin Ghotbi is expected to build a defensive system specifically designed to limit Altobelli's influence. Whether through tighter marking, adjusted positioning, or increased midfield pressure, the focus will be on cutting off his supply and disrupting his rhythm early. Neutralizing Altobelli could prove essential to not only turning the tide in this season's series, but also maintaining the defensive solidity we've been steadily building.

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