It was a full team effort from HFX Wanderers FC on Wednesday night as the team picked up their first win of the Island Games with a 3-1 score against FC Edmonton.
The fullbacks were active creating chances with shots and passes. The forwards made the most of their possession in the transition game with Akeem Garcia scoring for his third-straight game. And Brazilian João Morelli scored a brace from the midfield. The two goal scorers are now tied for first in scoring in the Island Games with three-a-piece.
The Wanderers are now in fourth place, tied with Pacific FC on points but ahead based on seven goals scored.
João shines from natural position
After starting as an attacking forward and a winger in two previous games, João Morelli started the game in the number 10 position, slotting behind Akeem Garcia and looking comfortable in his natural central attacking midfielder role.
“He plays in a number of roles. We’re still trying to feel out this team and get as many attacking players in positions on the field at the same time. We’re still sort of trying to find roles and put players in certain positions. So I just thought this game would be a good game for him to play in the 10 and let’s see what happens,” said coach Stephen Hart.
This allowed the Wanderers to roll out four attack-minded players with Andre Rampersad and Abou Sissoko providing more support in the midfield. Rampersad in particular had a stellar performance with two assists, two created chances, 37 passes and four tackles.
Morelli scored a brace from his favourite position and now is tied for the league lead in goals with three, tied with his teammate Garcia and Cavalry FC’s Jordan Brown.
“I knew that I could have more opportunities playing there because it’s natural for me, I know where I can go, where I have to go. It’s just a relief, happiness, everything — mix of emotions. I’m buzzing, I’m very happy to help the team and of course scoring two goals is pretty good,” Morelli says.
Welcome back, Ox
Goalkeeper Christian Oxner made his Island Games debut after missing out on the early part of the tournament with an injury. Not only did he help secure three points with two saves, but he had to face a penalty shot in the 27th minute. Known as a penalty shot specialist, the Haligonian came through with a massive stop. While coach Stephen Hart wasn’t too happy with the team conceding a penalty, goalkeeping coach and former Wanderer Jan Michael Williams had faith in The Ox.
“I wasn’t happy with how we conceded the penalty in the first place. But you know, Christian has trained well. He has shown me that he was feeling good and it’s important for him to get the games, just like any of the other players. And we got the penalty and actually Jan said to me on the sideline, don’t worry, he’s got this because he realized I was upset,” said Hart.
Attack gels quickly
With the three goal outburst, it looked like the Halifax attackers were comfortable with each other, getting creative with passing and making quick decisions. That all comes down to training and things are finally starting to click as chemistry develops.
“We’ve been doing well in training, the connection is getting better day by day. It just feels natural in my eyes,” says Morelli. “They’re very good footballers and when I have the ball, I have three good options. At least one of them, I know I can get a good pass. The running, it feels like we play a long time together. I think we do have much more to show still but I think we are on the right way.”