Wanderers wrap up bubble with win
HFX Wanderers ended their time in the Canadian Premier League's Winnipeg bubble on a high note.
Pierre Lamothe's first goal of the season was all the Wanderers needed to knock off league-leading Valour FC 1-0 on Saturday.
The Wanderers were much more decisive offensively on Saturday, directing 12 shots on Valour FC goalie Jonathan Sirois, who had to make several big stops to keep the game close.
Lamothe's goal, a rocketvolley off the bounce to the top left corner, put the Wanderers up 1-0 in the 44th minute.
Alessandro Riggi, who was making his first start of the season, set up Lamothe's winner and was dangerous throughout the contest, said the result was a great way to wrap up The Kickoff in Winnipeg.
“It was exactly what we needed,” said Riggi, who was named man of the match. “We've been a bit unlucky in this bubble. There have been a few ups and downs, personally and with the team. To finish here with three points was exactly what we needed as a collective to go back home and keep it going.''
Riggi had three great scoring opportunities said he is looking for more polish on his game, but credited his teammates for a great effort against the CPL'S top team.
“Personally finish my chances and collectively to keep going. We showed a lot of grit, a lot of fight. We were uncomfortable in the first half and we managed to create a lot of chances to score against the first-place team.”
The Halifax team returns to the Wanderers Grounds on Monday, Aug.2 to face Atletico Ottawa in the 3 p.m. The game will mark their first home game since Oct. 9, 2019.
Riggi, in his second year with the Wanderers, can't wait for the opportunity to play infront of the Halifax fans.
“For myself, it's two years with this club and I haven't had the opportunity to do it once. We're really looking forward to it. It's all we want.”
Christian Oxner earned the clean sheet, but wasn't challenged as Valour failed to direct a shot at him.