Marco Carducci Gets Warm Welcome, Takes Loss at Home
Former Cavalry FC captain returns to Calgary in HFX Wanderers colours, loses 2-0 to his old club in front of 4,000+ supporters.
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Marco Carducci came home Saturday and Calgary gave him a hero's welcome — then beat him.
The 29-year-old goalkeeper, who captained Cavalry FC before moving to HFX Wanderers in the off-season, took the field at ATCO Field on Spruce Meadows to applause and chants from a crowd of 4,106. Friends, family, and supporters turned out to see one of their own return in a Canadian Premier League match.
"It was a wonderful experience," said Carducci after the final whistle. "Calgary is my home, so it felt good to be back to see friends, family and supporters."
The warmth extended through much of the evening, but the competitive edge kicked in once the match started. The Foot Soldiers Supporters Group, Cavalry's vocal core, gave Carducci the full treatment — good-natured ribbing and jeers in the second half. Carducci took it in stride. "It's fair — it's all fair," he said, laughing. "I have nothing but respect for the supporters here."
Cavalry struck twice in the second half to secure a 2-0 victory. Goteh Ntignee scored in the 68th minute after a corner deflection, and Daan Klomp added the second in the 79th. Carducci had no chance on either.
"It felt like it had a little extra element for me," Carducci admitted, though the result stung. His replacement, Nathan Ingham, posted his fourth shutout in eight games.
Cavalry manager Tommy Wheeldon Jr., who signed Carducci back in 2018, said facing him was "enjoyable" — though he conceded it would have been different had Cavalry lost. "He's a good lad," Wheeldon said.
For Carducci, the loss softened a homecoming that felt, despite everything, like a win.