After a cancellation of their first two home fixtures of the 2013 RSA season gave the Yorkton United Football Club a two week layoff, the YUFC was back at it again in Regina, taking on the top of the table Cosmos at Liebel Field. Two 1-1 draws in their opening road games in May gave the club the confidence that they could grab their first win, but a quick two goals from the Cosmos to open the first half put the YU on their heels.
Using longball tactics to their advantage, the first Cosmos goal came when a ball sailed over the Yorkton backline to the Regina striker, who made no mistake to make it 1-nil.
The second goal came on a set piece corner to make the Yorkton deficit two before the away club began to get its footing.
Despite starting to get chances, the Cosmos tacked on another goal to their lead on the counter attack before Paul Litzenberger scored before the 45 minute whistle to make it 3-1 at the half. In the opening part of the second the YU were making their push, nearly chopping down their deficit off a corner kick when a volley from their right back in the box rattled off the crossbar. Dougal Todd scored a beautiful strike from 25 yards out just moments later to erase the missed opportunity and put the United to within one goal.
The 3-2 scoreline would give Yorkton some added energy for the next twenty minutes, pushing up the pitch and giving the Cosmos, whose longballs were stifled in the second half, troubles even getting the ball outside of their half due to Yorkton's high press.
An inspired effort was all for nothing as a strike from near the top of the 18 yard box deflected off keeper Jonny Bell and into the goal to make it a 4-2 score and sinking the hopes of a comeback for the United, who were dominating the run of play in the second half. Regina would score a header on the final play of the game to make it a 5-2 final and hand Yorkton its first loss.
Two home games on Saturday will see the YUFC get its first home action of the season with an eye on six points. At zero wins, two draws and one loss wins and points are in need for a squad that is on the verge of a rebound.
