Wanderers 4-0 York United: A surging offence, discipline, and a potentially disastrous injury

Suddenly, like a sailboat that's tightened its lines, the Wanderers are slicing through opposition. They've scored eight goals across their last two matches in dominant performances over Valour FC and York United. And they only look to be gaining momentum as the club heads towards the season's finish line.

Monday's Labour Day clash with York United was a classic six-point match in that it pitted two clubs, level at 29-points, against each other. Both Mauro Eustáquio and Patrice Gheisar spoke about the importance of getting a result pre-match, emphasizing the tightness on the table. But the Wanderers managed to make the most of their opportunities, humbling the Ontario-based club 4-0 thanks to goals from Vitor Dias, Jason Bahamboula and Yohan Baï.

Halifax's performance, from start to finish, suggests they've broken free of the malaise that dogged them throughout much of July. They're finding their form at exactly the right time.

"We just have to keep believing that every game we can get better," Gheisar told reporters post-match. "And if we do that, we're at a decent place, and this is a good time, September 1, on a long weekend, for us to be performing that well."

The Wanderers looked dangerous early, making only one tweak to their starting XI with Wesley Timóteo slotting in at left wing-back for Ryan Telfer, who was on international duty. Midfielders Sean Rea and Dias probed York's backline in the opening minutes but it Tiago Coimbra who broke the match open, muscling a lofted ball past a Nine Stripes defender in the 10th minute before laying it off for Dias, who made no mistake to give his club an early lead.

Coimbra, however, was visibly limping following the play and was forced out of the match. Gheisar opted to play Bahamboula as a No. 9 and was quickly rewarded as the speedy Frenchman drew and converted on a penalty in the 20th minute.

Bahamboula struck again in the 56th minute as he was the recipient of some excellent ball movement on the right side of the pitch, tapping in a lovely pass from Adam Pearlman, who has excelled since taking on a more attacking role.

The Wanderers continued to play through York's press as the match progressed, with Baï scoring the final goal on a nifty passing play with Lorenzo Callegari and Timóteo on the left flank.

York United — who dismantled Pacific FC 5-1 last week — were unable to match Halifax's precision despite putting nearly 20 shots towards goal. The Wanderers, however, made the most of their opportunities as they recorded five big chances through eight shots, showcasing finishing that was so often missing last year.

Understandably, Eustáquio told reporters the match didn't go to plan and that his squad was outworked across the pitch. The absences of Riley Ferrazzo and Orlando Botello due to illness, he added, forced his hand.

But there was something other than salt air affecting York's players as they became uncharacteristically bent out of shape. There's been something of a rivalry developing between the two clubs with former Wanderers Ferrazzo and Massimo Ferrin signing for the Nine Stripes this year. Giorgio Probo, who left Halifax in August, fanned the flames earlier by accusing York's players of diving "for no reason" back in April.

The two clubs, suffice it to say, aren't exactly friendly.

Some of that rivalry was on display Monday as players pushed and shoved ahead of Bahamboula's penalty. Tackles had an extra bite. And, with the Wanderers firmly ahead, Oswaldo León earned himself a straight red, causing tempers to flare after the final whistle. Isaiah Johnston, a former York United player himself, particularly lost his head, having to be restrained by Wanderers staff as he continued to exchange pleasantries long after the match had ended.

Asked post-match, Gheisar said he didn't know what had been said by León, nor why Johnston was so agitated, but noted the highly competitive nature of the match.

Still, the Wanderers displayed a mental toughness so often missing in 2024: they managed to keep a clean sheet and mostly avoided being baited, instead playing their football and dictating the match on their terms. Goalkeeper Rayane Yesli stood tall when needed, making key saves in the 45th and 76th minutes to kill any York comeback in its tracks.

"Attacking is about freedom," said Gheisar. "Defending is about responsibility."

The fact that Coimbra was forced off the pitch is worrying given his injury history. His importance in open play and on set pieces can't be overstated and, with the Wanderers finally getting some momentum, losing him for any length of time would be the equivalent of tearing their mainsail in the home stretch.

Gheisar said Coimbra's status is unknown and the club would have further information over the next 48-hours as he underwent tests. He added the Brazilian-Canadian was walking around and seemed okay post-match.

But it remains to be seen if one of Halifax's most dangerous players will miss time amidst the club's final matches of the season.

There is, of course, solace to be taken from Bahamboula's performance as the speedster excelled when called upon. Gheisar has other options once Telfer returns or could look to feed Tavio Ciccarelli, who made his season debut on Monday, more minutes.

However, with matches against Forge and Cavalry on the horizon, Gheisar will be looking to play whoever he thinks can help the club get important results. Their shot at potentially hosting a home playoff match hangs in the balance.

Monday's win means the Wanderers are only one point back of Cavalry.

Cover Photo Credit: Trevor MacMillan / Halifax Wanderers FC