HFX: Mid-Season Check-In

The Tides sit last with a 3-9-2 record, 11 points, 10 goals scored, and a -14 goal differential — the lowest in the league. After parting ways with head coach Lewis Page (who will now lead the club’s development team), veteran Stephen Hart took over in June. While there was a brief bump in form, the team is now winless in four and still struggling to find consistency at both ends of the pitch.

Offensively, Halifax have lacked punch. No player has more than three points, and the team has struggled to generate shots on target throughout the season. Promising forward Milly Clegg has yet to hit her stride, and the midfield has often been overrun. With Gunny Jónsdóttir still absent following her stint as a strength and conditioning coach at the Euros with Iceland, the club has leaned on Karima Lemire in a left-sided midfield role. Lemire has impressed with her passing range and distribution — and leads the team in minutes — but she needs more support around her.

Veteran additions Amanda Allen and Tiffany Cameron were brought in during the summer window to bring attacking quality and versatility, and Florianne Vallerand, who has slotted in at fullback, adds athleticism to the back line. In net, Anika Toth has recently taken over the starting job after Erin McLeod both dealt with injuries.

One bright spot has been center-back Annika Leslie, who joined the team after graduating from West Virginia University. Her composure and aerial presence have helped steady the back line. On the wing, local product Syd Kennedy continues to lead by example with her willingness to take players on and stretch defenses. Defender Eva Frémaux has also been notable for her gritty play and ability to win back possession, though she became the first player in the league to reach five yellow cards.

With one of the league’s better attendance figures at 4,185 per game and a passionate home crowd behind them, Halifax will hope their new additions can help turn performances into results before the gap widens further.