'Complete performance' gives Calgary Wild win over Halifax Tides as unbeaten run reaches 7 matches

Calgary Wild FC extended its unbeaten streak to seven matches Saturday, earning a 1-0 victory over visiting Halifax Tides FC at McMahon Stadium.

“It’s really exciting to be back,” said Wild FC head coach Leah Blayney, who returned to the Northern Super League side’s bench for the first time in just over a month. “We put together a complete performance today, which is what we’ve been chasing.”

After a scoreless opening half, Calgary broke through just three minutes after the restart when Taegan Stewart knocked home the winning goal.

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“We think Taegan is a special player. She is going to go very far in the game, and we want to invest in her,” Blayney said. “She took advantage of her opportunity to start today, and we are happy for her.”

The 18-year-old Calgarian, who was making her return to the Wild FC lineup following a stint with Canada’s U20 national team in Poland, celebrated her goal in front of the Wild Rose supporters.

“(The goal) definitely helped with the confidence. I always hope to get on the scoresheet and I just wanted it in the back of the net. I’m happy I was able to do that,” Stewart said. “It’s special to have the trust from Leah to step into the starting lineup and get the win. It was a complete performance for the team today. We are super happy Leah is back, and that we were able to put on that performance.”

Another Calgarian also made her mark in goal. Sarah Keilty-Dilling made her third consecutive start for Calgary. One of the first signings in Wild FC history, the 33-year-old Calgary-born goalkeeper earned her first professional win to go along with two draws.

Keilty-Dilling was called upon throughout the match, turning aside all three Halifax shots on target as the Tides finished with 12 total attempts.

“I am really pleased with her. She came up with some big performances today,” Blayney said. “Dill is also making the most of her opportunity at this time. It was her first time playing in front of a home crowd. It was her second clean sheet which is a credit to her training mentality.”

Calgary (3-12-5) generated 13 shots of its own, putting five on target in a closely contested match that saw the two sides evenly share possession. Halifax fell to 7-10-3.

Wild FC next travels to the nation’s capital to face Ottawa Rapids FC on Sunday, Sept. 20 (5 p.m. MT).