Cale Loughrey’s path to the Wanderers is perhaps best described as circuitous.
Between time spent in the NCAA to suiting up in a CONCACAF Champions League match for Forge FC, Loughrey hasn’t been afraid of facing a challenge.
He worked hard while on loan at FC Edmonton for the 2022 CPL season, appearing in 25 matches across all competitions but found himself without a contract in the off-season.
So when he heard his former-coach had landed the head coaching gig with the Halifax Wanderers, his thoughts were racing.
“When I found out (Patrice) was getting this job with Halifax, I was super excited for him,” said Loughrey in an interview with the Wanderers Notebook. “But I didn’t know if he would take me or not.”
Halifax ended up offering the 21-year old Ajax, Ont. native a contract through this season with club options for 2024 and 2025.
And if the early returns are any indication, both parties are happy with how things are going.
“I’m really enjoying my time here,” said Loughrey.
Earning a spot
There are a number of factors that made Halifax an ideal fit but one of the most important was familiarity with Patrice Gheisar and his system. Loughrey is the first to note Gheisar’s importance to his career, having been recruited by him at Seneca College.
“Patrice being the head coach really impacted my decision in coming here because I really do like playing under him,” he said.
However, Loughrey found himself on the outside looking in at the start of the season as Gheisar tried to find minutes for a plethora of defenders.
Loughrey said the messaging from the entire coaching staff was simple to anyone who found themselves on the second team: work hard and trust the process.
“If there’s anybody I could trust, it’s Patrice,” said Loughrey of the situation.
Fast-forward to today and Loughrey has fought his way into the starting XI as a centreback paired with Daniel Nimick. Together, the two towering defenders have looked comfortable stepping up to distribute the ball but are also skilled at defending one-on-ones and winning their duels.
“I like playing alongside Dan. I find we have a good partnership together and I feel like we’re both very passionate about defending. You know, we’re doing all the nitty gritty stuff that not everybody wants to do,” explained Loughrey.
And although the squad is still looking for their first win, Loughrey added they are still confident as a group that success is coming.
Familiarity with the system
One of Gheisar’s promises when he arrived in Halifax was to implement a front foot, attacking style of football.
Having played for Gheisar in Seneca and been around him for training in the off-seasons, Loughrey said he felt comfortable playing a role in an attacking system.
In fact, Loughrey credits his first year at Seneca as a pivotal time in his career; it is here that his eyes were opened to the wide world of attacking football.
“Even at Seneca when he was (coaching) with us, it was always about 3-box-3. He lives by that,” said Loughrey when asked about the differences between Gheisar’s system now versus then.
Loughrey, like many other players on the Wanderers, highlighted the time and space that come with the 3-box-3 system. Specifically, it creates options and lanes for players to move the ball and has resulted in positive possession numbers in most matches this year.
“In that formation and how he interchanges with either an inverted fullback or maybe a fullback that’s playing up high, you always have time with the ball,” said Loughrey. “It’s nice football to watch.”
Loughrey added Halifax was his favourite city to visit while playing elsewhere in the CPL. He played at the Wanderers Grounds twice last season as a member of FC Edmonton.
Given the fondness in his voice as he describes spending time in the city, it’s safe to say Loughrey’s settled into Halifax nicely.
“Once (we played here) in the summer when it was really nice and I loved it. Even going out and seeing the water and then playing after, I just love it,” he said . “I’m happy I’m playing with them now.”
Credit Cover Photo: Canadian Premier League
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