Stephen Hart knew very early in his training camp that his HFX Wanderers FC side could be special.
The club retained only seven players from their inaugural Canadian Premier League season that was more of a hit off the field than on.
Hart’s confidence in his new group was well placed as the Wanderers played their way into the final of the Island Games against Forge FC on Saturday (3 p.m.) in Charlottetown.
“We only had a short time together before the (COVID-19) lockdown and you could see the competition was there among them,” said Hart. “One, you had the group that remained trying to prove their worth and two, guys coming in wanted to show why they were selected. Immediately there was a competition for places and that is the healthiest situation you could ask for.”
The rise of the Wanderers may have caught some teams and league observers by surprise, but goalkeeper Christian Oxner also saw something special in the group.
“We came in as the underdog and we surprised people,” said Oxner. “We always knew that we had the talent in this squad when we put it together before COVID. With the players we have, we are a very hungry team. We are very proud of what we have done, regardless of the outcome tomorrow. This team has come a long way in such a short period.”
Oxner, who was named a finalist for the CPL’s Golden Glove Award on Friday, added they believe they have built a winning foundation.
“The guy that stayed, we’ve established a good culture here at the club. We’ve transformed into a winning side and you can see what the guys who’ve come in that they’ve adapted to the culture really well. Going forward the club has a culture to build off of. We’ve set the bar high and now we have expectations for the next few years.”
The Wanderers grew as the Island tournament progressed. They opened with a pair of ties and a loss to Cavalary FC. From there the team won three of its final four regulation stage games.
The Wanderers opened the group stage playoff with a tie 1-1 tie with Forge, defeated Cavalry 2-1 and lost to Pacific FC, in a game that had no bearing on the standings after learning they had advanced to the championship game.
THIRD MEETING
Wanderers and the Hamilton-based Forge will be meeting for the third time on the Island with both games ending in 1-1 draws.
Akeem Garcia, named a finalist for player of the year and the scoring leader with six goals, has been at the centre of the Wanderers attack against the Forge. Garica owns both of the team’s goals versus Forge.
The Trinidad and Tobago international is hoping to continue his good fortune against Forge on Saturday.
“It’s a final and that alone gives me motivation,” said Garcia. “Hopefully it works again for me this time and I can get another goal.”
Hart, who was named a finalist for coach of the year, didn’t go into specifics when asked about how to beat Forge.
“Eleven versus eleven,” said Hart. “Let’s be honest, it’s the final and everyone on the field is going to match up in some form. Usually a final is a cagey affair. It’s going to be one of those situations where small margins are going to make a difference. Hopefully, we can play a near-flawless game and keep our errors to a minimum.”
Experience could be a factor for Forge, holders of the North Star Shield as the defending CPL champions.
“They have vast experience as a team,” said Hart. “Those things will serve them well. But it’s one game and we as a team cannot be afraid to accept the responsibility when we receive the ball and just carry on in our individual roles.”
HARTFELT THANKS
The Wanderers coach has a special place in his heart for the team's faithful, watching online from Halifax and beyond.
"Football without fans is just sweating," said Hart. "To the fans we thank you, we appreciate your patence and we love you. They’ve been behind us all along. Even in lockdown, they have been supporting us. It’s been a breath of fresh air."
AWARDS
Introducing this year's nominees for the CPL League Awards #CanPL pic.twitter.com/0xq6wS9FLI
— CanPL (@CPLsoccer) September 18, 2020
Wanderers and Forge players were recognized in most of the award categories announced by league commissioner David Clanachan on Friday.
Garcia is up for player of the year along with Forge FC’s Kyle Bekker and Pacific FC’s Marco Bustos.
Oxner joins Triston Henry of Forge and Callum Irving of Pacific as the golden glove nominees. Wanderers’ Chrisnovic N'Sa was selected with Mo Farsi of Cavalry FC and Julian Dunn of Valour FC for the Under 21 player of the year.
Hart was nominated as coach of the year along with Forge’s Bobby Smyrniotis and Mista of Atlético Ottawa.
Notes: If Saturday's match is tied after regulation it will go directly to penalties. ... The game will be carried live on CBC and OneSoccer. ... A watch party at the Wanderers Grounds has been sold out.
