Calgary Wild FC saw a strong performance slip away in heartbreaking fashion on Saturday, falling 1-0 to the visiting Halifax Tides FC after conceding a goal in the 81st minute at McMahon Stadium.
Battling through heavy rain and overcoming injuries to key players, the home squad controlled much of the Northern Super League match, created the better scoring opportunities and dictated play for nearly 80 minutes before Halifax capitalized on one of its six shots on target.
McSharry praises team effort despite result
“The energy was good. Everyone came out and executed the game plan. We had some good chances but weren’t able to capitalize on a few,” said Wild FC interim head coach Sinead McSharry, whose squad is chasing its first win of the season. “We got a few more people back this week. Everyone is pushing towards their max minutes. Meggie (Dougherty Howard) had an outstanding game. (Grace) Stordy was phenomenal. They helped push the ball forward and we had better chances.”
The decisive moment came when Halifax’s Saorla Miller headed home the winner in front of the goal line, sending the ball past Calgary goalkeeper Katelin Talbert.
“They had good momentum around their goal, and we didn’t capitalize on our (opportunities). Unfortunately, that’s the way the game goes,” added McSharry.
Close calls for Calgary
Calgary came close to putting one on the board on several occasions. Captain Dougherty Howard rattled the crossbar with a powerful strike from the top of the penalty area in the 51st minute, inches away from giving the home side the lead.
Stordy was relentless on the ball throughout the evening, coming close to scoring twice. “We made the goalkeeper work. She made one really big save off Stordy and that just changes the whole game if that goes in,” said McSharry. “I am proud of them, but it is a bit disappointing when you feel like you should get a point at least.”
Stordy nearly opened the scoring early in the first half after battling through the Tides defence but stumbled just short of the goal line with the ball in her feet after a full field run. The hard-nosed Calgarian earned another golden opportunity in the 57th minute, only to be denied by Halifax goalkeeper Anika Toth on a point-blank chance.
Stordy frustrated but optimistic
“I’m getting quite frustrated with the soccer gods. I had a chance early on in the game and just couldn’t tap it in,” said Stordy. “I think overall this was probably the best performance the team has had. We are happy with that, but unfortunately a loss is a loss, and I think we just have to carry the momentum and effort from today into Ottawa next weekend.”
Wild FC (0-6-2) will next head to the nation’s capital to take on Ottawa Rapid FC July 5. Halifax improved to 4-3-2.
