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Atlético Ottawa vs Halifax Wanderers April 15, 2023 PHOTO: André Ringuette/Freestyle Photography
Stories of the Match: Wanderers open 2023 with a draw vs. Ottawa
April 15, 2023
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The 2023 CPL season got underway Saturday afternoon with the Halifax Wanderers drawing 1-1 with Atletico Ottawa

Here are some of the storylines that transpired for the club over the 90 minutes.

Miss the match? Watch the highlights

Wanderers Man of the Match: Lorenzo Callegari

In his first-ever CPL match, off-season addition Lorenzo Callegari put in an absolute shift in the Wanderers midfield.

The Frenchman led all players in touches (127), pass completions (99) and final third passes (30). That’s 30 more completed passes than anyone on the opposing side and double the final third passes.

Callegari also won back possession more times than anyone else on the Wanderers.

Fernandez’s goal one of many firsts on the day

Zachary Fernandez opened the scoring and his professional account in one of many firsts for the Wanderers.

The strike was the first goal of the 2023 CPL season and came in the Wanderers’ first match under new head coach Patrice Gheisar.

Seven Halifax players started in their league and club debut, with three more coming off the bench to mark a first appearance with the Wanderers.

Support from Aways

While starting the season with three matches away from Wanderers Grounds, there were several reminders of how much the Halifax supporters get behind their team.

Plenty of Wanderers blue could be spotted in the stands and on the TV broadcast. While numerous others were watching from home, a Halifax bar and even a supporters group HQ in Calgary.

The Wanderers get their big homecoming with a home date against Vancouver FC on the horizon on April 29. Click here for tickets

Building chemistry

With 16 new players on the roster in 2023, team cohesion was a focus in training camp and the lead-up to the season opener.

After the early minutes, the Wanderers grew into the match and generated their fair share of opportunities.

Halifax won the possession battle over the 90 minutes (57% – 43%) and had 64% of the ball in the second half. Of note, Aidan Daniels completed all of his pass attempts, including 11 in the final third and picked up an assist on Zachary Fernandez’s goal.

What they had to say

“Given the heat and our first game nerves, I was ecstatic about our positive start. I thought our energy and some of our ideas were great. I think there’s a lot to build on, and our midfield was quite good” – Wanderers head coach Patrice Gheisar 

“I think we were great in the first half, and I think we have the quality to beat anyone. There’s a lot of good things we can take out of this (into next match vs. Ottawa) and move forward into training” – Wanderers winger Zachary Fernandez

What’s next?

The Wanderers get another crack at Atlético Ottawa on April 15 with a Canadian Championship match at York Lions Stadium.