Staying alive: Halifax Tides move into playoff spot after crucial draw with Roses
The Halifax Tides are on the cusp of qualifying for the playoffs for the first time in club history after a thrilling 2-2 draw versus the Montréal Roses saw them move into the fourth and final playoff position on the Northern Super League (NSL) table.
Not that a point was guaranteed: head coach Stephen Hart and his squad were outplayed in the first half on Saturday and had to rally from a 2-0 deficit to keep their playoff dreams alive.
Hart, who is coaching the final vignettes of his time with the Tides after it was announced he's parting ways at the end of the season, opted to play a slightly rotated side, but was unable to dictate play against a strong Roses squad.
Although they had a few scoring opportunities, including a good chance by striker Jordyn Rhodes in the 17th minute, the Tides conceded first off a goalmouth scramble which saw Montréal's Lucy Cappadona give her side a 1-0 lead in the 27th minute.
Later, with the half running out, Tides centre-back Annika Leslie fouled a Roses player in the box, leading to a penalty kick. Marie-Yasmine Alidou stepped up to the spot to challenge Tides 'keeper Anika Tóth and beat her with hard shot to the top left.
Coming out of the break, Hart quickly opted for a triple substitution in the 60th minute to change his attack, bringing on Sheyenne Allen, Syd Kennedy and Tiffany Cameron. His instincts quickly paid off as 10 minutes later, Kennedy received the ball in Montréal's 18-yard box and found Cameron, who shielded it with her back to goal. She then sent a cushioned pass to a streaking Rhodes, who made no mistake in scoring her sixth goal of the season.
With time winding down, the Tides continued to surge, looking for an equalizing goal. Their opportunity came in the 86th minute as right-back Julianne Vallerand found Cameron with a through ball, which she lobbed over Roses 'keeper Gabrielle Lambert to tie the score.
The Roses responded with more pressure but Tóth stood tall, guiding a dangerous headed attempt over the bar in the 88th minute. For a moment it seemed like Kennedy might have the match winner on her boot but Lambert responded with her own incredible save to keep the score knotted.
The Tides finished the match with 44 per cent possession and 10 shots towards goal against the league's top club.
Now, with one match remaining, they're in a good position to fend off the Vancouver Rise for the final playoff spot. To secure playoffs, Hart and his squad need to match or better the Rise's result on the final day of the season as the Tides currently hold the tiebreaker, which is goal differential.
But they'll have their work cut out for them for their final tilt versus AFC Toronto, who are among the best sides in the NSL. Vancouver, meanwhile, play the Calgary Wild, who sit bottom of the league table.
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Josh Healey
Josh Healey
Josh Healey
Cover Photo Credit: Halifax Tides FC
