Wanderers earn first win of 2025, showcasing trust, in pursuit of 'an idea that will continue to grow'

This iteration of the Halifax Wanderers is very much incomplete, an oil painting still on the easel. But on Sunday, versus an organized opponent at York Lions Stadium, head coach Patrice Gheisar's side laid a few more brushstrokes, earning their first win of 2025 in a spirited 2-1 come-from-behind victory over York United FC.

Gheisar stressed in his pre-match call that the Wanderers, and the principles the coaching staff are asking their players to trust in, are a work in progress. But by believing in the pursuit of those ideals, he told reporters following the victory, his side was able to keep their cool despite going down 1-0 in the first half.

“We can come up with any idea that we want, but it’s about the execution of the players. I trust that team, I trust those players, and they trust me, so it’s a great relationship we have. We came up with a couple of tweaks we needed, but I think there’s just a (feeling) that’s all about belief with this group," said Gheisar. "I never thought that anyone panicked, even when they went up 1-0.”

York United, led by newly appointed head coach Mauro Eustáquio, came out strong. They pressured the Wanderers heavily on their right side through the first 15-minutes, led by two familiar faces in ex-Wanderers Massimo Ferrin and Riley Ferrazzo. A turnover just outside of Halifax's 18-yard box, followed by a cheeky back-heel pass from striker Adonijah Reid, set up Gabriel Bitar to give York United a 1-0 lead in the 22nd minute.

Despite trailing, the Wanderers didn't panic, sticking to their principles as they embarked to fight a damning history: other than a match against FC Edmonton in 2022, the club had never had a come-from-behind win away from the Wanderers Grounds.

"Our best form of defending is having the ball and keeping the ball. How do we do that? We need to say to ourselves that we want to be the protagonist as much as possible," Gheisar said of the club's philosophy.

“We want to be able to set traps. We want to try and bring, not intimidation, but fear to our opponents where if we catch you, we’re going to punish you. But I think it’s about putting the entire experience together. It’s an idea that’s taken a long-time to install, it’s an idea that’s not finished, it’s an idea that will continue to grow but the most important thing is hopefully everyone can see the commitment of the team, of the amount of running, high speed running and the work rate that they have.”

Midfielder Giorgio Probo — who has been a key piece so far in the Wanderers' young season — was a threat again on Sunday. Playing as one of three attacking midfielders, the 25-year old Italian was involved early, nearly burying a header off a whipped cross from Wesley Timóteo. He was also involved physically, trading jabs with several York United players, before burying a free kick in the 53rd minute to level the score.

And Probo's development, in many ways, is emblematic of Gheisar's challenge to his players: he wants the former Creighton University-star, who he calls a "thinker of the game," to get involved with the press and to help win the ball high. Once won, the Wanderers' attackers, be it Sean Rea, Ryan Telfer or Probo, have the freedom to create and wheel like spinners in the final third.

"As (Probo) knows the stadiums, the officials, the opponents, his game will continue to grow more and more. I think Sean (Rea) is an instinct player, he gets the balls and he improvs. I think Giorgio is a thinker of the game. They complement each other well. I feel like our system is able to evolve and grow because we have two unique No. 10s," explained Gheisar.

"I think because of that freedom, it's very hard to predict for an opponent for patterns that are set. Things are coming from improv and instincts, which is great for a player, and I think you could see some of that on display."

Given Probo's involvement — which was something lacking at times in 2024 — it seems like Gheisar's message has taken root; his two goals through two matches certainly speak to his quality in a refreshed squad. Probo's four shots on Sunday led his side.

But the Wanderers weren't done, bringing on fresh legs in the form of Vitor Dias, captain Andre Rampersad and Yohan Baï as they pushed for something more. CF Montréal loanee Alessandro Biello and Tiago Coimbra also made their season debuts.

Like the Wanderers, Coimbra is a player in development, his form still taking shape like a landscape brushed by Tom Thomson. But there's little doubt that the club is banking on the 21-year old's potential, having sent him on training with English Premier League side West Ham United this winter and signed him to a lengthy extension.

It was fitting, then, with the clock winding down and the score tied, that a sublime lofted ball from centre-back Kareem Sow sailed over the heads of York United's backline and landed at Coimbra's feet. The Wanderers need players like Coimbra to convert and, with his first touch of the season, he didn't hesitate as he chipped the ball with the outside of his right foot over York United goalkeeper Ivan Pavela to give his side the edge.

Last season, the Wanderers severely underperformed their expected goals, consistently lacking that killer instinct in key moments. And by converting on his chance, Coimbra helped the club both earn an important win and start to re-write the narrative around their road form.

But the Wanderers know not everything will be as smooth as Coimbra's first touch, nor was their victory in Ontario a Rembrandt: they are striving to build themselves up, not create masterpieces in April.

"Listen, for me, the focus is to be at our best in July, mid-July," said Gheisar. “If you’re looking at the progression the team’s made and some of the new tweaks we’ve made, you can clearly see how our identity will continue to grow."

Of course, it's easy to take Halifax's start for granted given they went winless through their first 10 matches in all competitions last year. But Gheisar and his staff are hoping to nurture a promising start into something more as the club returns to Halifax for their home opener this coming weekend. Their four road points, through only two matches, is already near the six they earned all last year.

"We have our principles and as long as players are playing with those principles, they have the freedom," said Gheisar.

And if his players remain committed, and show the growth they displayed on Sunday, it's possible Gheisar's Wanderers may become something that catches the eye. They certainly have the talent. But, given the sample size, they remain something abstract and intriguing.

Cover Photo Credit: Denys Rudenko / Canadian Premier League