2025 CPL Regular Season — Match #101
Halifax Wanderers vs. York United FC
October 4 at 3 p.m. AT/ 2 p.m. ET
Wanderers Grounds in Halifax, Nova Scotia
Live: OneSoccer // Tickets available here
The stakes for Saturday's contest at the Wanderers Grounds are clear: a better shot at securing a home playoff match, with the outside chance of catching Cavalry FC and claiming a much coveted third-place finish on the table. But the truth of the matter is, given a single point separates the Halifax Wanderers and York United FC, this weekend's tilt is likely to have a playoff atmosphere as the two clubs search for any advantage knowing they're also lining up for a potential post-season showdown.
Saturday, should the table stay the same, should be viewed as an amuse-bouche for the football to come. It goes without saying that the playoffs — which begin after the regular season ends Oct. 18 — will be the main course.
The Wanderers return home following another disappointing result against Vancouver FC. Head coach Patrice Gheisar shuffled his starting XI last week, opting to start captain Andre Rampersad instead of Isaiah Johnston, who had been a constant fixture in midfield so far this season, while also bringing on Julian Dunn for a suspended Adam Pearlman. Things didn't go well as Halifax looked lethargic against a very well-organized Eagles squad, registering only a single shot on target — which happened to be a goal, thanks to centre-back Thomas Meilleur-Giguère — in a 3-1 loss. Nothing really came off for the Wanderers as Dunn, who was making his first start of the season, was subbed off at halftime while the club's playmakers were unable to find makeshift striker Yohan Baï up top.
The good news for Gheisar and his squad is they're back in Nova Scotia, having earned seven of their 10 wins at the Wanderers Grounds. Although the Wanderers aren't in the best form — they've lost three out of their last five — they're conclusively a different group when buoyed by their home fans. The club has scored 11 goals in their last three contests in Halifax and have averaged 1.91 goals per match at home. That number falls to 1.07 on the road, meaning they're scoring nearly twice as many goals at the Wanderers Grounds.
Make no mistake: the Wanderers know how big Saturday's match is for their season. Although they've punched their ticket to the playoffs, they've set their expectations higher than a fifth-place finish so look for the boys in blue to push hard and early for that crucial first goal.
York United head coach Mauro Eustáquio will also be setting expectations high for his players, especially considering their uncharacteristically poor performance during their last visit to Halifax, a 4-0 rout on Labour Day which left him questioning his squad's compete. Well, the Nine Stripes' players have shown more than enough compete in recent weeks, entering the weekend having won big matches versus Cavalry and Valour FC to secure their postseason plans. Importantly, it was striker Julian Altobelli who scored against Valour to ensure playoff football for York United, breaking the former Toronto FC academy product's eight-match goalless drought.
It'll be interesting to see what Eustáquio decides to do tactically on Saturday as, for only the second time this season, he fielded a 4-3-3 formation last week with a newly minted back four. Injuries and suspension ruled out Oswaldo León, Nyal Higgins and Luke Singh, spurring the 32-year old gaffer to partner Elijah Adekugbe and Frank Sturing as centre-backs. The results speak for themselves as the Nine Stripes looked solid during their 1-0 win but, depending on availability, it'll be curious to see how they'll line up on the road versus a club that likes to possess the ball and attack.
Earning a home playoff match is also equally important to York United; their record of 7W-3L-3D at York Lions Stadium is tied for their best home record in club history. But like the Wanderers, they've struggled to get results away, averaging 1.16 goals per match on the road.
To add a little spice to the menu, there's been a burgeoning rivalry forming between the Wanderers and York United going back to the off-season as Riley Ferrazzo and Massimo Ferrin traded their blue kits for green. Former Wanderer Giorgio Probo fanned the flames by accusing York United players of diving "for no reason." And León earned his 10-match suspension during their Labour Day clash, which also saw several scrums and a very heated Wanderer in Johnston, who lost his cool despite his club's convincing win.
Suffice it to say that the table is set for a scrumptious football feast.
3 THINGS TO WATCH
- Who will the Wanderers start at striker?: The emergence of Tiago Coimbra is one of the CPL's best storylines this season and his absence over the last several matches due to injury has changed the face of the Wanderers' attack. Gheisar has tried multiple players up top to try and fill the hulking gap left by the Brazilian-Canadian but has yet to find a solution. Winger Jason Bahamboula looked promising before he was knocked out for the remainder of the season. Baï has also played as a striker in recent matches, with youngster Camilo Vasconcelos replacing him versus Vancouver FC. Ryan Telfer, of course, remains an option but has been playing well as a wing-back. With Gheisar saying post-match last week that Coimbra is available for limited minutes, it begs the question whether the coach will risk playing the U-21 Player of the Year candidate or opt to choose from his other options?
- Can Altobelli build on his last performance?: Eustáquio spoke at length about Altobelli following his side's win over Valour, doubling down on the striker's work ethic and abilities in the box. But the goal came after a difficult stretch for the 22-year old as he hadn't scored for eight matches previous and had been relegated to the bench. Last weekend saw him return to the starting XI and capatilize on his chance with a deft finish. Despite his shaky form, Altobelli remains York United's top goalscorer and currently sits third in the league for goals with 10. Having a good showing against the Wanderers would only further help build his confidence.
- A classic six-point match in Halifax: There's been a rivalry building between the Wanderers and York United and that will only heightened by their closeness on the table. Both have outside shots of catching Cavalry, who sit third with 39 points, so each side needs a win to close the gap with head coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr.'s squad. The Wanderers have gotten the better of the Nine Stripes so far this season having won two out of three contests. But with York United arguably in better form, and the possibility of an elimination playoff match looming, it'll be anyone's guess who emerges the winner Saturday afternoon.