Cavalry FC held to 1-1 draw by Halifax Wanderers at Spruce Meadows despite territorial dominance

Cavalry FC extended its home unbeaten streak but gave up two points Saturday at Spruce Meadows when the Halifax Wanderers equalized late in a 1-1 draw despite the Cavs' heavy territorial advantage.

On a hot July 18 afternoon at ATCO Field, Cavalry FC striker Tobias Warschewski converted a penalty kick in the second half to give the hosts the lead. Halifax captain Isaiah Johnston answered with a late equalizer on a powerful shot.

Cavalry dominated play throughout. Goteh Ntignee, who drew the penalty that led to Warschewski's goal with a darting run into the box, threatened multiple times. Ali Musse and Warschewski created additional chances. The Cavs posted a 2.42 to 0.36 advantage in expected goals — a stark measure of their control.

"We created opportunities, got into good spaces, we'll always do that," said Cavalry FC coach Jay Wheeldon. "I think we lacked a little bit of cutting edge in our final ball at times, however, can't fault the effort from the lads."

The Cavs had played just four days earlier, drawing 1-1 with the MLS' Vancouver Whitecaps in the second leg of the Canadian Championship. Centre back Amer Didić noted the impact of the quick turnaround.

"We had a big game last Monday and played really well and did all of the right things and were hoping to translate that over to the game today," Didić said. "And, unfortunately, we just didn't match up to our standards and hence the reason we dropped the two points."

Cavalry FC (12-8-1) remains in second place, four points behind league-leading Forge FC. The Cavs next travel to Vancouver FC on July 24 before a home date against Supra du Québec on July 28.