Stories of the Match: Cavalry takes close one over Wanderers

June 11, 2022

The Halifax Wanderers had their chances but were held off the scoreboard in a close 1-0 loss to Cavalry FC in Calgary.

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

Wanderers Man of the Match: Jérémy Gagnon-Laparé

A middle three of Andre Rampersad, Pierre Lamothe and Jérémy Gagnon-Laparé put in a solid combined shift on Saturday, but the former Canadian international had a few standout moments in the match.

Gagnon-Laparé led all players in passes while contributing on the defensive side of the pitch as well.

The veteran midfielder with a knack for transitioning the Wanderers into attack also had one of the best chances in the match when a bullet of a strike smacked against the goal-post.

Chances created but didn’t get across the line

Halifax finished the match with six shots on target, while five of their 12 attempts came from inside the Cavalry box.

Aidan Daniels kept the home side on their toes whenever the ball found him. He finished with three shots on target but could not beat Marco Carducci.

Along with an effort by Gagnon-Laparé that hit the post, the Wanderers had two other close calls. Akeem Garcia did well to beat his man, but his blast was pushed aside. Meanwhile, Alex Marshall got on the end of a cross, but his attempt from in close was also stopped.

Fernandez continues solid start to rookie season

At just 20-years-old Zachary Fernandez has started his pro career with a string of consistent performances at right-back for Halifax.

On Saturday, Fernandez won three of his four tackles, made a pair of interceptions and led all players in the match by winning nine of his 14 duels.

He also contributed in attack, leading the club in touches and whipping in several crosses — one of which was nearly converted by Alex Marshall.

Short memories as the road trip continues

The Wanderers move right on from Saturday as they play again on Tuesday night against FC Edmonton.

Captain Andre Rampersad will not be available due to yellow card accumulation as the Wanderers also deal with a few injuries. Alternate captain Peter Schaale and forward Cory Bent were among those sidelined on Saturday.

Following the Alberta road trip, the Wanderers are back home on June 19 against Forge FC.

What they had to say

“I thought we started on the front foot and had some chances but couldn’t capitalize. And in the second half, I thought we were a bit sluggish to start with, and that caught us in the end.” – Midfielder Jérémy Gagnon-Laparé

“I thought it was a very balanced game; both teams had their chances… we hit the post, but unfortunately, once again they scored on a set play and we were playing from behind after that.”– Head Coach Stephen Hart

What’s Next?

The Wanderers close out a stretch of two matches in four days when they visit FC Edmonton on Tuesday night to close out the Alberta road trip.