'I'm a little disappointed we didn't win': Tides play Vancouver Rise to scoreless draw at Wanderers Grounds

The Halifax Tides had ample opportunity for revenge on Saturday, facing the Vancouver Rise back at the Wanderers Grounds for the first time since their humbling 6-0 defeat on July 19.

Arguably, they had the better chances: their 14 shots included several dangerous looks that, on a normal night, interim head coach Stephen Hart would expect his players to convert. But be it Tiffany Cameron, Amanda Allen or Milly Clegg, who had two clear-cut opportunities, the ball simply wouldn't go in the net for Halifax. The match ended 0-0, giving the Tides an import point, but still saw them lose ground with Calgary Wild FC squeaking out a win versus Ottawa.

"We played well, we created a lot of chances, not half chances, a lot of good chances and you can't help but feel when you play like that you have to get the result because you're fighting for points. I guess I can say, you know, I'm proud of the way they played but I'm a little disappointed we didn't get the three points from the game," Hart told HFX Football Post.

"I would say the game was a well-balanced team performance. I can't think of any player that had a weaker game. I thought, as a team, we had a very good performance."

Hart again showed his penchant for quickly integrating new players into the squad as Sofia Cedeño, who was announced earlier this week, slotted in as an advanced midfielder. Allen and Julianne Vallerand played on the left flank, positioned as a winger and left-back respectively, while Cameron played as the tip of the spear. All of the above showed their quality, with Allen's dribbling on display, to say nothing of Vallerand's shift on both sides of the ball.

The Rise had the lion's share of possession at 57 per cent but were unable to break down Halifax's defence. And when they did get a look, be it a cross or shot from outside the box, goalkeeper Anika Tóth calmly collected them. She made six saves on the night.

Overall, the new signings helped buoy the Tides to a good performance but the some of the same issues remain. The club sits last in the league with 10 goals scored, 15 behind AFC Toronto. 19-year old Clegg continues to struggle as, coming off the bench, she bobbled a golden opportunity in the box before skying a shot over the crossbar in the 82nd minute. She remains goalless despite taking 19 shots. Strikers Christabel Oduro and Cameron also have yet to score.

When asked about his side's lack of scoring, Hart said it was simple.

"Finish it, it's as simple as that. The chances are being created and if the chances are being created, you just have to have the composure to put it away. It wasn't there today but if we keep creating the chances, sooner or later, they're going to go in," he said.

The Tides have shown signs of improving defensively as they've conceded only two goals through their last three matches. They're also undefeated in their last two contests.

"Well, I think at times you have to know how you want to recover the ball before you can play with it," said Hart of the squad's defending. "I've just tried to instill a bit of discipline on that front and the mentality to win the ball and then you can play from there. I'm pleased with the way everybody is trying to have an impact with their roles and responsibilities."

Speaking about his new additions, Hart praised their integration.

“I think they’re still getting to know the team but big contributions today, both from a defensive standpoint and in possession, very good from Jubes (Vallerand) and Sofia fit in like she’s been playing with us for a while. I let (Sofia) go as long as I thought, she probably thinks she could’ve given me another minute, but all said, I’m quite pleased with how they’re fitting in," he said.

With the draw, the Tides continue to sit last on the table with 12 points. They head to Calgary next week to face the Wild on August 16; five points separate the two clubs.

Cover Photo Credit: Halifax Tides FC