Halifax Wanderers part ways with coach Patrice Gheisar after CPL playoff loss

Halifax Wanderers coach Patrice Gheisar talks to one of his players during a Sept. 12, 2025, Canadian Premier League game at Cavalry FC in Calgary. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout-Cavalry FC Media - Mike Sturk)

HALIFAX — Halifax Wanderers have parted ways with coach Patrice Gheisar after the club’s penalty shootout loss to visiting York United in a Canadian Premier League play-in game.

“We have built one of the most attractive opportunities in North American soccer here in Halifax, but the reality is that we have not yet found success in the big moments on the pitch, and that needs to change,” Halifax president Derek Martin said in a statement. “The next head coach of the Wanderers will have a clear mandate to build and lead a team capable of bringing a championship to Halifax and have full control of constructing our roster.”

Halifax said Gheisar’s successor will also assume the role of sporting director as the club restructures its football operations department.

Gheisar, who took over the team in November 2022, leaves on a painful note.

Halifax led 1-0 Wednesday, only to see York pull even with four minutes remaining after the teams had cooled their heels for some 20 minutes with 10 minutes left in regulation time because of lightning. The game went to extra time with Shaan Hundal’s 118th-minute goal for York cancelling out Jeremy Gagnon-Lapare’s go-ahead strike in the 114th minute.

York then won the penalty shootout 5-4.

Gheisar, who succeeded Stephen Hart as coach, led the Wanderers to their first-ever appearance in the CPL playoffs in 2023 while setting a club record for wins in a season, point, and fewest goals conceded.

Halifax rewarded Gheisar by extending his contract through the end of 2025.

“I would like to thank Patrice for his significant contributions to the Halifax Wanderers over the past three seasons,” Martin said. “Patrice brought a tireless work ethic and infectious energy to our club and our community while leading us to some memorable victories and a number of record-setting achievements on the pitch.”

Halifax returned to the playoffs this season, setting a club record for goals scored and away points while finishing fourth in the standings at 11-11-8, one point ahead of York.

“When I arrived here three years ago, I spoke about building something lasting — a culture, an identity, and a belief that we could compete with anyone through hard work, courage, and unity. Looking back, I’m proud of how far we’ve come together,” Gheisar said in a statement issued by the club.

“The foundation we’ve built here is strong and I have no doubt that even greater things are ahead,” he added.

Gheisar joined Halifax after a successful run as coach of Vaughan Azzurri in League1 Ontario where he was named coach of the year in 2022 after leading his team to an undefeated season and league championship.

Canada coach Jesse Marsch brought Gheisar in as a guest coach during the November 2024 international window.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 24, 2025.