Halifax battled to a 1-0 victory over the Montréal Roses Friday night at Stade Boréale, getting a first-half goal from Julia Benati and a series of big saves from Anika Tóth to secure the road win.
The Tides came out on the front foot, with Julia Benati and Jordyn Rhodes both forcing saves inside the opening 15 minutes.
The pressure continued as Halifax created another opportunity in the 31st minute, when Benati's effort rattled the post.
Then came a huge moment at the other end.
Montréal was awarded a penalty in the 30th minute, but Tóth came up with the save, keeping the match level and giving the Tides a chance to keep building.
Just before halftime, Benati found the breakthrough. The Tides attacker finished in the 45th minute to put Halifax ahead 1-0 heading into the break.
The second half brought chances at both ends, but Tóth continued to stand tall when called upon. She made another important save in the 59th minute as Montréal looked for a way back into the match.
Halifax made a series of late changes to keep fresh legs on the pitch, with Karima Lemire, Stella Downing, and Jordyn Rhodes among those making way as the Tides managed the final stages. Naya Cardoza, Kat Jordan, and Synne Moe entered in the 85th minute to help close out the match.
The final minutes were anything but quiet.
Montréal continued to push, but Halifax held its shape and battled through four minutes of added time. Tóth and the Tides' defensive unit stood firm, while Halifax continued to threaten on the counter.
When the final whistle came, the Tides had their road win.
A penalty save. A goal from Benati. Big moments in both boxes. And a clean sheet to bring home from Montréal.
The victory marks Katie Barrott's second road win with the Tides as she steps in on the touchline, helping Halifax secure another three points on the road.
UP NEXT: The Tides head west for another road test against Vancouver Rise Saturday, August 15. Kickoff is set for 10:30 p.m. AT.
MATCH SUMMARY
Halifax Tides FC - 1 | Montréal Roses - 0
Venue: Stade Boréale
Attendance: 2,374
Referee: Roberto D’Alesio
Assistant Referees: Camille Raymond, Allycia Carlucci
SCORING SUMMARY
45’ – HFX – J. Benati
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY
49’ – HFX – A. Leslie
53’ – MTL – L. Cappadona
74’ – HFX – M. McDermot
89’ – HFX – J. Benati