It came down to the final moments of Vancouver FC’s road game against the Halifax Wanderers on Saturday, and it wasn’t what the visitors were hoping for.
Tavio Ciccarelli’s stoppage-time winner was Halifax’s first victory since the opening match of their season, where they also beat Vancouver FC by that same score.
It ended a six-match winless run for the club at home as well.
At the half, the hosts still had not attempted a shot, and had just two touches in the box. The visitors, by contrast, had six attempts and 15 touches in the box.
As the match pushed into its final moments, the hosts found their opening. Substitute Miguel Arilla cut down the right flank, beat his man and then played the ball into the middle to fellow sub Ciccarelli, who was unmarked. Ciccarelli slid the ball past Callum Irving.
The young striker did get a little too caught up in his celebration as he removed his kit. Already on a yellow card, he was subsequently sent off. But the damage was done, and the Wanderers ended a seven-match winless streak in dramatic fashion.
Vancouver FC is now seventh in the eight-team league standings with one win in eight matches. Halifax, with two wins, is sixth.
Next, the Eagles host Atlético Ottawa on Friday, June 5 at the Stadium at the Langley Events Centre at 7 p.m.