Tides still looking to find their scoring touch following 1-0 loss to AFC Toronto
The Halifax Tides returned to the Wanderers Grounds on Saturday and, aside from a fantastic volley from Colby Barnett which proved enough to give AFC Toronto a 1-0 win, are a much more defensively compact side than the one that debuted on April 26.
Head coach Lewis Page, speaking to media following the match, highlighted his squad's growth since the beginning of the season.
"I think we were much better organized defensively, again," said Page.
"We've built on that the last three games. When we were composed, and put our foot on the ball, we moved it really well. It's two games in a row where we finished the games really strong."
Since dropping their home opener 4-1, the Tides have tightened up, conceding only two goals through matches with Vancouver Rise, Montréal Roses and now AFC Toronto. They've also earned their first point in club history but sit last on the table and are still searching for a win.
Goal scoring, or the lack thereof, is currently what separates the Tides from that all important first victory.
There were glimpses of their potential on Saturday — tweaking his lineup, Page introduced rising New Zealand international star Milly Clegg to his starting XI, playing her alongside Megumi Nakamura in a front two. Although Clegg had missed some time due to injury, she looked no worse for wear as she collected a through ball from Nakamura in the 41st minute and, pushing the ball up to her right foot, rifled a shot from just inside the box, forcing AFC Toronto 'keeper Sierra Cota-Yard to make a scrambling save.
They pushed hard in the second half, looking to convert on set pieces, including a number of corners, but were unable to crack AFC Toronto's defence.
The Tides finished Saturday's match with seven shots towards goal. However, if they're going to increase their goal totals beyond Marika Guay's lone marker from April 26, they'll need to both create more and convert on those chances.
Entering the weekend, the Tides were last in the league for shots whereas their opponents, AFC Toronto, led with an impressive 56 attempts. Including Saturday's tilt, the Tides are currently averaging just shy of eight shots per match or 31 attempts through their four fixtures.
Their second half versus both the Roses and Toronto does offer something to build on. But it's up to players like Clegg, Nakamura and locals like Saorla Miler and Sydney Kennedy to find the back of the net.
"I think we created a lot of chances, which was very positive, a lot more than them in the second half, specifically," said Clegg post-match. "I think that's something we can carry into next game."
Page echoed his striker's comments.
"It's two games in a row where we finished really strong. So now, we've got to put two good halves together and I think the results will come," he said.
The Tides have a quick turnaround as they next play the Rise at Swangard Stadium on Wednesday. They'll then have a long break — 15 days in all — before playing the Wild on June 5. Earning that first victory, and potting a few goals, is very much on the minds of the players as they look to take that next step in their development as a squad.
"There's a long break after (the Rise) with no games, so we know this one is really important for us," said Saorla Miller.
Three points are up for grabs versus Vancouver. And with them, the chance to clinch the club's first-ever win.
Cover Photo Credit: Halifax Tides FC
