Pride, and pain, too, in Tides' end of season draw and playoff miss
And just like that, despite being on the precipice of club history, the Halifax Tides' playoff hopes crumbled at BMO Field in Toronto.
They had been so close, no more than a goal away, and had opportunities to best AFC Toronto for the win on Monday. But with a blast of the referee's whistle, and their aspirations dashed, the Tides players showed their frustration at not being able to score — a reality which has dogged them at times this season — when they needed it most. Attacker Syd Kennedy lowered herself to her haunches. Julie Pedersen fell to the pitch, with Bridgewater-native Sarah Taylor going to console her. And Tides head coach Stephen Hart, slated to step down at the end of the season, walked amongst the players to give out hugs and congratulations.
It was not the end the Tides had wanted but, having registered five draws in a row to end the season, the result they deserved.
Hart's side began their final match versus AFC Toronto on shaky ground. With a victory, they could have punched their ticket to the playoffs but found themselves on the backfoot throughout the first half.
Toronto's goal, courtesy of Kaylee Hunter, in the 28th minute put the Tides on notice.
However, the Tides grew throughout the half, with Saorla Miller stepping up. The Tides captain received the ball within Toronto's 18-yard box in the 44th minute and drove with the ball on her right foot. She then delivered a jaw-dropping finish, beating 'keeper Sabrina D'Angelo with a wicked shot to the near post.
Looking for an advantage, Hart opted to bring in veteran attacker Tiffany Cameron in the second half for Julia Benati. But the Tides struggled to threaten through the opening stanzas of the second period, their best opportunity coming in the 74th minute of a mazy run from striker Jordyn Rhodes, which was blocked.
Hart made two more changes in the 77th minute but the Tides were still unable to create in open play. It wasn't until the 93rd minute that the Tides found themselves with a golden opportunity but Naya Cardoza, playing further up the pitch in hopes of a goal, was unable to put the ball behind D'Angelo.
The disappointment was palpable on the pitch and in the post-match press conference as the 1-1 draw meant the Tides were beaten by Vancouver Rise for the fourth and final playoff spot.
"We had five games in which to get into the playoffs. We didn't lose, but we just didn't take them over line, and that's on me, right? It's football. But I am very proud of the players," Hart told reporters.
"Very, very, very proud. I have a bitter taste in my mouth. I couldn't get the team into the playoffs. I would have loved to do that, because it would have been a major achievement considering last season, but in the end, I think I can look at, I probably would look back and say: 'I've left them in a good place, the club.' So, yeah, that's probably my only silver lining at the moment."
Despite failing to make the NSL playoffs, there's no doubt that Hart helped shape a stronger Tides side. After conceding the most goals in the league in 2025, Hart built the best defence this season, conceding only 24 goals (the next closest, Montréal Roses, allowed 27).
However, where the Tides ailed was in front of goal: they scored a league worst 24 goals through 25 matches. It was somewhat improved from their much maligned inaugural campaign but not good enough to guide them to the post-season.
It's fitting, of course, that their inability to crack AFC Toronto's defence led to Halifax missing the playoffs for a second year in a row.
The Tides now enter the off-season with many questions marks, starting with the head coach given Hart's departure due to family reasons. The club also announced the release of sporting director Amit Batra in late August.
It remains to be seen who will fill these crucial roles and if these new faces will help the Tides reach the heights they were so close to achieving at BMO Field on Monday.
Cover Photo Credit: Valeria Chirinos / PDM Sports
