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Inter Toronto 2-2 HFX Wanderers: Altobelli Double Not Enough For ITO
By Inter Toronto’s first game under their latest rebrand saw them lead twice against the visiting HFX Wanderers. Yet, the Torontonians failed to hold on either time, with the match at York Lions Stadium ending 2-2.
Inter Toronto Rebrand: A New Look And Lack Of Nine Stripes
Unlike most of the Canadian Premier League teams, Inter played their first match this weekend. Carlo Guzman, Juan Cordova, and Tomasz Skublak all made their full debut for their respective clubs (albeit Cordova’s was for his second spell there). For Skublak, he faced his former employers. Star offseason signings Beni Badibanga and Ollie Bassett came on later in the match.
As for the Wanderers, who defeated Vancouver FC 1-0 on the road the weekend before, they made two changes to their starting eleven. In came Muguel Arilla and Ryan Telfer who replaced Lucas Olguin and Francesco Troisi.
Much of the first half saw very little go on from an attacking perspective, as both teams looked to find their footing in the match. Outside of Diego Urtiaga claiming a loose ball in his six-yard box in the opening minute, not much went on for the first 30 minutes.
The Inter Toronto keeper was called into action in the 15th minute, when a cross found Cyprian Kachwele. The Tanzanian striker could not beat Urtiaga though, who came out and made the stop.
A half chance for the hosts came just before the half-hour mark. Frank Sturring’s cross found Julian Altobelli in the box, but the attacker could not find the back of the net.
Toronto would go in front a couple minutes before the break. Following a period of extended possession, the Nine Stripes struck through Altobelli, who got a shot off in the box. Marco Carducci managed to get a hand on the ball, but could not stop it from going in.
The lead seldom lasted long. Just three minutes into the second period, the Wanderers tied it up. Thomas Meilleur-Giguere headed a cross towards goal, forcing a save out of Urtiaga. However, the Mexican could not stop Kareem Sow’s follow-up from a few yards out.
Looking for a response, Toronto retook the lead minutes after conceding the first equalizer. Altobelli was back at it again, as he drifted away from his man to meet Max Ferrari’s perfect cross. The 23-year-old placed it beyond Carducci to make it 2-1.
Much of the second half from there saw the Wanderers try to find another leveller. Ten of the Haligonians’ 13 attempts came in the second 45.
Just as it seemed like Halifax was going to lose under Vanni Sartini for the first time, they made the most of another set piece. This time, from a corner, Isaiah Johnston controlled the ball, which ultimately fell to Tavio Ciccarelli. The youngster, who just came on a moment prior, converted by getting to the ball just before Sturring could.
The Nine Stripes will be left disappointed with result, having led twice in the contest. Their next match will be the following Sunday, when Vancouver FC makes the trip to York Lions Stadium.
As for the Wanderers, who are now on four points from two games, they return home for their first game of 2026 at Wanderers Grounds. Meeting them there on the Saturday is Pacific, who is still awaiting their first point.
Header Image Photo Credit: Robert Marchese
1 Comment
Altobelli picking up right where he left off. He has a shot at the golden boot if he can stay consistent.
Where was Gonzalez?
Inter have to clean things up. Close out games and wrap up three points instead of walking away disappointed with one instead.