Match #4
VALOUR FC (1-2-0) vs. HFX WANDERERS (0-3-0)
When: Saturday, May 6th, 3 p.m. CDT
Where: IG Field
How to watch: OneSoccer is broadcasting all Canadian Premier League games live https://onesoccer.ca/
MATCH PREVIEW:
Valour hopes to continue building IG Field into a home fortress against the Wanderers in what will be their second match in front of their faithful this season.
Currently tied atop the tables with defending CPL champs Forge FC with five points on one win and two draws, Valour has managed this start despite a slew of injuries — especially on its back line – and with two of the three results coming on the road. Most recently they came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw against Cavalry FC in Calgary, the toughest place to grab points in the CPL since its inception, with forward Kian Williams notching his first career goal.
Valour will be meeting a HFX side still seeking its first win of 2023 but having also battled to three draws.
THE GAFFER SAYS:
GM and head coach Phillip Dos Santos on HFX Wanderers:
“They’re a team with a completely new identity. They’re sound on the ball, they have movement on and off and can create problems for the opposition. They’re able to attack you inside your block, but also in behind so that versatility – even though they have scored much in single games – they create opportunities and are very dangerous.
“I’ll say this: every game in this league is a difficult one. You can see it from the early results this season. You need to show up every day and this is no different.”
VALOUR FC SPOTLIGHT:
#8: Diego Gutiérez, MF: Valour’s captain was named the CPL’s Player of the Month for April after helping lead the squad to its 1-2-0 start and scoring the first goal of his CPL career in the home-opening draw against Atlético Ottawa.
https://canpl.ca/article/valour-fcs-diego-gutierrez-named-cpl-player-of-the-month-for-april
He’s durable, reliable, consistent and brings a passion to the middle of the park for his club. This season he’s playing more forward in the midfield and handling most of the club’s corners and free kicks.
CRITICAL NUMBER
5-3-0
Valour is riding an eight-match home unbeaten streak dating back to last season with five wins and three draws. Since a 2-1 loss to Pacific FC on July 30th last year the club has posted two wins over Forge FC and victories over Cavalry FC, York United FC, and Pacific, and two draws vs. Atlético Ottawa a third over FC Edmonton with a goal differential of +7.
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All-time Valour FC vs. HFX Wanderers: (win-draw-loss): 5-2-6
(The record is 5-2-8 all-time, including a pair of Canadian Championship losses in 2019)
Last meeting: September 10, 2022, Wanderers Grounds: HFX Wanderers 1 Valour FC 0