HALIFAX – The Halifax Wanderers announced the departure of coach Patrice Gheisar following the team's loss to York United in a penalty shootout during a Canadian Premier League play-in game. This decision comes after a disappointing end to the season for the Wanderers, who had hopes of advancing further in the playoffs.
In a statement, Halifax president Derek Martin expressed the club's desire for greater success on the pitch. "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," he stated. Martin emphasized that the next head coach would have the authority to construct the roster and a clear mandate to lead the team towards a championship-winning vision.
In a significant restructuring of its football operations, Halifax revealed that Gheisar's successor will also take on the role of sporting director, indicating a strategic shift within the club. Gheisar, who took the helm in November 2022, exits after a frustrating match where Halifax initially led 1-0. However, York United equalized with just four minutes remaining after a long weather delay, eventually leading to a dramatic extra time and penalty shootout. York triumphed in the shootout, winning 5-4.
During Gheisar's tenure, he successfully guided the Wanderers to their first-ever appearance in the Canadian Premier League playoffs in 2023. Under his leadership, the team set several club records, including most wins in a season, highest points total, and fewest goals conceded, marking a notable improvement in the club’s performance.
In recognition of his achievements, Halifax rewarded Gheisar by extending his contract through the end of 2025. Martin took the opportunity to thank Gheisar for his dedicated contributions over the past three years, mentioning his tireless work ethic and ability to energize both the club and the local community. "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," Martin said.
In the 2025 season, Halifax returned to the playoffs, achieving notable records for goals scored and away points while finishing fourth in the standings with an 11-11-8 record, just one point ahead of York. Reflecting on his time with the Wanderers, Gheisar expressed pride in the culture, identity, and collective belief that the team had built over the years. "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 stated in his farewell message.
Prior to his time with the Wanderers, Gheisar was successful as the head coach of Vaughan Azzurri in League1 Ontario, where he was named Coach of the Year in 2022 after guiding the team to an undefeated season and a league championship. His accomplishments did not go unnoticed, as Canada coach Jesse Marsch invited Gheisar to serve as a guest coach during the November 2024 international window, highlighting his growing reputation in Canadian soccer.
This significant transition within the Halifax Wanderers marks a new chapter for the club as they search for a new coach to lead them into the future.
