In Pictures: HFX Wanderers beat Cavalry FC, a step closer to CPL Island Games final

HFX Wanderers beat Cavalry FC 2-1 in each club’s second match of the Canadian Premier League Island Games second round.

Two first half penalties were enough for the Halifax team to claim the three points. Cavalry FC were left a disadvantage when defender Jay Wheeldon picked up a second yellow card committing the foul that lead to the first penalty.

The competition’s leading goalscorer Akeem Garcia stepped up to beat Cavs keeper Marco Carducci in the 12th minute. And João Morelli Neto scored the second spot kick in 41st minute after the Cavs keeper brought him down in the box.

Cavalry FC’s Jair Córdova reduced the HFX lead in the 80th minute. But that was as close as the Cavalry would get.

While HFX’s coach Stephen Hart was pleased with the result, he knows it’s still simply only another step in the right direction.

“We haven’t achieved anything yet,” Hart admitted. “We’ve got a game to go. We’re hoping it’s two games to go.”

And Cavalry FC coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr. was proud of his club’s performance considering they played nearly 80 minutes with only 10 men on the pitch.

“At halftime, we weren’t pointing fingers,” said Wheeldon Jr. after the match. “We looked at each other and said ‘we got ourselves a hill to climb. But let’s push them back 15 minutes at a time and try to make this the greatest comeback ever.’ We were spirited, and I think when you play like that you give yourself a chance to keep going.”

The Saturday’s results mean Cavalry FC needs to beat Forge FC Tuesday to advance to the CPL Island Games final. While a draw for HFX Wanderers against eliminated Pacific FC would guarantee their place in the final.

See photos from Saturday’s game below: