Halifax Wanderers 2021 Season Preview

After a complete overhaul of the squad between the 2019 and 2020 seasons, Halifax surprised most (if not all) by finishing second in the table at the Island Games, and ending up in the final where they eventually lost to Forge. At times playing some beautiful football, Stephen Hart’s side were the story of 2020, but it remains to be seen if a repeat is in order. While their midfield talisman Andre Rampersad returns, his frequent partner in the middle Aboubacar Sissoko has moved on to the USL, and whether he can be adequately replaced will likely shape their success this season. The club will certainly be hoping they’ll be able to play in front of their raucous home crowds later this year, and if everything comes together, another playoff appearance is certainly possible.

Key Arrivals

Morey Doner, D (2020: York)

A surprise departure from York, Doner established himself as one of the top rightbacks in the league in 2019. His Island Games performance was subpar, but the same could be said for most of Jim Brennan’s side. A more than suitable replacement for Chrisnovic N’Sa, Doner will bring his strong crossing ability and defensive positioning to an already solid back line.

Eriks Santos, D (2019: Dila Gori, Georgia)

The Brazilian centreback was actually signed by the Wanderers prior to the Island Games, but Covid circumstances prevented him from joining the team. He’s here now though, and comes highly-rated with two seasons of play in Georgia’s top tier under his belt. A left-footed centreback, we wouldn’t be surprised to see him see time at leftback, or in a back three alongside Schaale and Geffrard. Either way, he’s another solid defensive addition to one of the best defences in the league.

Jérémy Gagnon-Laparé, M (2020: Saint Louis, USL Championship)

Can you say “big shoes to fill”? JGL joins the ever-growing contingent of Québecois on the east coast, as a replacement for one of last year’s standouts, Aboubacar Sissoko. While a more defensive central mid, his arrival could give more freedom to Andre Rampersad, who will likely partner him in the middle of the park. Gagnon-Laparé brings more than 100 games of professional football with him, as well as 5 caps for the Canadian national team, despite being only 26.

Other arrivals: Kieran Baskett, G (2020: College of William & Mary, NCAA); Pierre Lamothe, M (2020: AS Blainville, PLSQ); Samuel Salter, F (2020: CSUN, NCAA); Stefan Karajanovic, F (Carleton, USports); Kareem Sow, D (2020: Montreal, USports); Marcello Polisi, M (SFU, NCAA)

Big Departures

Aboubacar Sissoko, M (Indy Eleven, USL Championship)

Sissoko was a revelation at the Island Games, stepping up to the professional level with ease, and relegating former MLS-er Louis Béland-Goyette to the bench. Before even appearing for Halifax, Sissoko trialled with the Whitecaps, and there were suggestions that he would be making the step up to MLS this year. In the end, he joined one of the USL’s strongest sides in Indianapolis, leaving a gaping hole to fill in the Wanderers midfield.

Chrisnovic N’Sa, D (York)

One of a handful of original Wanderers to survive the cull so to speak after the 2019 season, N’Sa rapidly established himself as one of the top rightbacks in a league full of strong players at the position. Offered the chance to unite on the pitch with his brother Felix at York, it was always likely that he would leave the Wanderers this year. Fortunately, in Morey Doner, Stephen Hart has a more than capable replacement.

Alex De Carolis, D (IFK Eskilstuna, Sweden)

A less-heralded member of the Halifax backline, De Carolis brought leadership, experience, a solid left boot, and some long throws to the Wanderers. After a couple of years on the East Coast, the Canadian veteran has returned to the lower leagues of Sweden where his career began in earnest. His departure creates an opening at leftback that Mateo Restrepo will be looking to fill full time.

Other departures: Jason Beaulieu, G (retired); Louis Béland-Goyette, M (free agent); Luke Green, D (St. F-X, USports); Daniel Kinumbe, D (free agent); Ibrahima Sanoh, F (free agent)

Likely lineup

G

Despite that goal, Christian Oxner established himself as one of the league’s top keepers in PEI. He’ll see most of the starts, but we’re sure Hart will get local youngster Kieran Baskett a few games as well.

D

Captain Peter Schaale is certain to continue leading the defense, and will likely be partnered with Haitian international Jems Geffrard, who impressed in PEI. If Haiti qualify for the Gold Cup, Brazilian Santos will ably fill in as his replacement. On the right, Morey Doner will be a fixture, while on the left side, Mateo Restrepo should see a lot of the time, although we could also see Santos slotting in there.

M

Despite the loss of Sissoko, Halifax’s midfield is still led by Andre Rampersad, who is - in our opinion - the best midfielder in the CPL. Unfortunately for Halifax, the Gold Cup could be an option for him as well, and that absence would hurt. Rampersad will likely be partnered most often with Gagnon-Laparé in the middle, with Alex Marshall and Alessandro Riggi out wide. Omar Kreim and Pierre Lamothe are likely to see a fair share of time as well.

F

Up front, the league’s joint-top scorer, and Golden Boot winner at the Islands Games, Akeem Garcia, will continue to lead the line. He should be joined by Brazilian João Morelli, who formed an impressive partnership with Garcia in PEI. The Gold Cup proviso applies to Garcia as well, and if he is absent, Cory Bent and new arrivals Stefan Karajanovic and Sam Salter should see some opportunities.

Keep an eye on: Andre Rampersad - a lot is riding on Rampersad’s shoulders in Sissoko’s absence, but after his performance at the Island Games we’re convinced that Rampersad is destined for great things.

Big Question: Can Oxner rebound from last year’s final?

Christian Oxner established himself as a top CPL goalkeeper at the Island Games, but was left rueing a stunner from Maxim Tissot that he let slip in late in the final match against Forge. How he responds this season will play a big part in Halifax’s success this year. Unfortunately, if the Wanderers get hit by multiple Gold Cup absences, Oxner’s performances might not be enough to push Hart’s side into a second playoff appearance.