Wanderers

Atlético Ottawa 2 Wanderers 1: Callegari's 100th appearance, a missed penalty and a weather delay that reset the table

Despite a strong showing in which they had buckets of opportunities, the Halifax Wanderers succumbed to a clinical Atlético Ottawa side 2-1 at TD Place on Saturday, sinking seven points behind newly minted head coach Gustavo Leal's side.

The Wanderers, of course, will leave the nation's capital lamenting their lot as three points were theirs for the taking. But as has been the case throughout this season, they continue to drop points from winning positions.

Still, there's no doubt Wanderers head coach Vanni Sartini will feel cheated given a potential missed penalty by referee Mathieu Souaré. The fact that Atlético Ottawa were awarded a penalty in the closing stanzas — regardless of its merit — was only extra salt in the wound.

Here's a breakdown of the match's key points.

Callegari ties club assist record in 100th match

It seemed fitting that the man of the hour, Lorenzo Callegari, who was making his 100th appearance for the Wanderers, should be the first to break open the first half deadlock with Atlético Ottawa.

Receiving the ball off an excellent build up from Lucas Olguin and Finn Linder, Callegari put his passing range to work as he collected under pressure and turned to ping a perfect through ball to Miguel Arilla, who was playing as a part of Halifax's front three.

Arilla was able to run onto the ball and, with a parking lot of space between him and the nearest defender, beat Atlético Ottawa 'keeper Christopher Kalongo with a shot near post to give his side the lead.

Not only was Callegari able to contribute in his centurion match but his assist tied him for the Wanderers club assist record with 11, tying Wesley Timóteo for the lead.

Were the Wanderers robbed of a penalty?

There's no mistaking the fact that the Wanderers had ample opportunity to advance their lead but, be it a slip or slide, were unable to put the ball into the back of the net.

Isaiah Johnston in particular seemed snake bitten as he was set up a handful of times. Leal's side exploited Halifax's lack of killer instinct and clawed their way back into the match in the 62nd minute. Wanderers goalkeeper Marco Carducci made an excellent initial save but youngster Tim Arnaud collected the rebound and crossed it to Emiliano García, who leveled the score with a header from point blank.

However, only minutes later, the Wanderers seemed poised to regain their lead as they cut through Ottawa's lines and passed to Francesco Troisi, who came on as a substitute, in the box. Troisi quickly squared the ball to Johnston but he appeared to be hauled down by Arnaud, whose left hand was on his shoulder.

Sartini immediately used a coach's challenge but, after review, referee Mathieu Souaré ruled that it was not a penalty, causing the Wanderers to go apoplectic.

Despite having some incredibly dangerous chances, the Wanderers managed only three shots up until the thunder delay.

Thunder delay resets the table

Thunder showers brought the match to a halt and robbed both sides of any momentum they had built as the players were forced inside for over an hour.

Due to the length of the delay, a steady stream of fans exited as both clubs waited for the match to resume. But when things resumed, with an ardent section of the supporters club still in attendance, it was Atlético Ottawa who came out strong.

The Wanderers first tempted fate with an unfortunate foul just outside the box, forcing Carducci to make stellar save off a curling attempt by Gabriel Antinoro. But only moments later, the hosts were again knocking on the door, setting up Ballou Tabla at the top of the box. The veteran attacker made no mistake, rifling the ball into the top left corner to give Ottawa a 2-1 lead in the 79th minute.

Sartini immediately subbed on attacker Adonijah Reid to add some bite to his side but they they were unable to generate enough to beat Kalongo a second time.

The fact that Atlético Ottawa were awarded a penalty in the match's final stanzas, despite the fact Carducci stoned attacker Nicolas Fleuriau Chateau, is only salt in the wound for a Halifax side that will feel they deserved better.

The Wanderers finished the match with four shots to Ottawa's 17 attempts.

Editor's Note: This article is part of our free coverage.