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Stories of the Match: Wanderers close out road trip with draw at Forge FC
April 22, 2023
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The Halifax Wanderers scored first but gave up a late goal to settle for a 1-1 draw with Forge FC in Hamilton on Saturday night.

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

Wanderers Man of the Match: Massimo Ferrin

For a second straight match, it was Massimo Ferrin finding the back of the net for the Wanderers.

The 2022 League1 Ontario MVP and Golden Boot winner now has two goals in his first three matches.

Ferrin also nearly scored earlier in the match but was denied with a huge save by Forge keeper Triston Henry.

Yann Fillion coming up big

The Wanderers’ new keeper was crucial to Halifax entering half-time with a lead.

Fillion made several big stops in the match, but none larger than a double-save he pulled off to rob Forge of a goal.

In all, Fillion made five saves, registered three clearances, and claimed several other crosses under pressure.

Rampersad hits 100 matches

After getting the start, captain Andre Rampersad played in his 100th match as a Halifax Wanderer on Saturday.

Rampersad is the first Wanderer to hit the century mark, a fitting accomplishment for a player who featured in the club’s first-ever match in 2019.

And the captain was his usual self, leading by example in the middle of the park. He completed 88% of his passes and picked up an assist with a clever touch to set up Massimo Ferrin’s goal.

Momentum heading home

It’s been a busy start to the season, with the Wanderers playing three matches away from Halifax in the span of a week.

Now, the club flies home after taking a road point in both league matches. Matches they led in with every chance to steal three points.

Several of the team’s 16 new faces saw the pitch as the squad continued to build chemistry and take that momentum into the home opener.

The Wanderers welcome Vancouver FC on April 29 at the Wanderers Grounds.

What they had to say

“I can’t say it enough, Halifax changed my life. All I want to do is make the people of Halifax happy because they gave me the opportunity of a lifetime. I’m delighted for the young guys coming into the league and being that example.” – Wanderers captain Andre Rampersad

“I thought in the first half we were very good, and we matched them. We’re disappointed to give up the goal, but it’s the third game of the season, and we’ve played the regular season champs and the league champs. As the season goes, we grow.” – Wanderers head coach Patrice Gheisar

What’s next?

The Wanderers host Vancouver FC in the club’s home opener. Tickets are still available.