Cavalry FC sent its supporters home happy in a battle with major playoff implications.
The Cavs scored twice in the second half to edge the Halifax Wanderers 2-1 in the regular season home finale on Saturday at Spruce Meadows’ ATCO Field to take two steps forward towards clinching the second-seed in the Canadian Premier League playoffs.
“The way it played it was playoff mentality, I think, for both teams out there,” said Cavalry FC centre back Callum Montgomery. “To be in second and hold our own destiny in our hands is everything.
“We have amazing fans and we want to reward them for staying with us this year and every year.”
Cavalry FC (11-12-4) enters the final week of the regular season with a two-point lead on Atlético Ottawa in the race for second place.
The Cavs close the campaign at Winnipeg’s Valour FC on Oct. 19. The Manitoba side is one of three teams battling for the fifth and final playoff berth along with Pacific FC and Vancouver FC.
On Saturday, the Cavs took points away from the Wanderers to officially eliminate the Haligonians from playoff contention.
The Wanderers looked to be the more likely team to score in a goalless first half, due largely to the exploits of Cavs goalkeeper Marco Carducci.
“We weren’t happy with how we played in the first half and Marco was fantastic, he kept us in the game,” Montgomery added. “After we got in at halftime, everyone just took a deep breathe and from that point on, we were really confident.
“We made a couple adjustments, just in our shape, in the second half and we felt like we could start the game really strong and really get on top from there.”
Our @southcentrevw Move of the Match is Callum Montgomery's 79th minute match winner!! 🙌 #MoveOfTheMatch #RideWithUs #CavsFC #CavalryFC pic.twitter.com/3g0DoAOOVY
— x - Cavalry FC (@CPLCavalryFC) October 13, 2024
In the second half, Tobias Warschewski opened the scoring with his team-high tenth goal of the season on a well-place low shot into the far corner.
The Wanderers drew even on a Giorgio Probo strike five minutes later before Cavalry’s prowess on set pieces helped decide another contest.
Montgomery, a towering centreback, was in the right place to deflect an attempt on goal by Bradley Kamdem for the defender’s first CPL goal in the 79th minute.
Cavalry FC head coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr. said adjustments were needed following a tough first half, citing a disconnected press and spread out positional play.
“We changed that to allow us some more bodies around the ball that helps with our positional play,” he said. “Second half, our quality came through. I think (Ali) Musse is kicking himself now because he knows he could have had a hat trick. I really enjoyed the way Tobi scored.
“And then we showed character after giving them a goal back to keep going and find a way to win and that’s what you need at this stage of the season.”
Cavalry, owners of the top defensive record in the league with 26 goals allowed in 27 games, finish the regular season with just one home loss at Spruce Meadows.
The CPL playoffs kick-off Oct. 23. The playoff format sees the top two seeds play in a semifinal, with the losing team then getting another opportunity to advance to the championship game.
For more information, go to cavsfc.com.
