Cavalry FC has one foot in the second round of The Island Games.

The Cavs dispatched a fickle HFX Wanderers FC side 2-1 on Sunday night, a result that puts them on ten points from four matches and two points clear of Forge FC atop the overall standings.

A bizarre injury-time sequence of goals ended up not affecting the final outcome, as Cavalry limited a surging Wanderers side to few chances at goal over 90 minutes.

An otherwise dead-even first half was separated by a wonder-strike from Nathan Mavila in the 29th minute. The fullback caught Jason Beaulieu off his line, and sent a curling effort from near the touchline over the HFX goalkeeper and into the net to give Cavalry a 1-0 lead.

The Wanderers were not without their chances in the first half. A João Morelli header in the 37th minute forced a clutch save from Cavs ‘keeper Niko Giantsopoulos, while teammate Cory Bent broke through for a pair of one-v-ones, the second being called back for offside.

To counter the Wanderers press, Cavalry switched to a back-four in the second half, adding an extra midfielder. It helped create chances for Marcus Haber – who broke through on goal several times – and Jordan Brown.

Brown scored his third goal in two matches with an incredible individual effort in the 90th minute, turning on a defender and finding the back of the net.

Then, just moments later at the other end, HFX would get a consolation after a handball call sent Akeem Garcia to the penalty spot. The Trinidad and Tobago striker converted, though it was too little, too late.

Next up for the Wanderers is FC Edmonton, who they’ll face on Wednesday (8pm ET/9pm AT on OneSoccer). Cavalry returns to action against Atlético Ottawa on Thursday (8pm ET/9pm AT on OneSoccer).

BOX SCORE

Goals
29′ –Nathan Mavila (Cavalry FC)
90′ – Jordan Brown (Cavalry FC)
90+2′ – Akeem Garcia (HFX Wanderers FC)

Discipline
10’ Yellow – Mateo Restrepo (HFX Wanderers FC)
85’ Yellow – Peter Schaale (HFX Wanderers FC)
90+2’ Yellow – Jay Wheeldon (Cavalry FC)

HFX Wanderers FC: Finishing – It’s hard to ask for more from the Wanderers’ finishing department. João Morelli’s header was the lone quality chance and, while it tested Niko Giantsopoulos, it wasn’t enough to equalize. Finishing needs to be better but, if you only get a handful of chances, what can you do?

Cavalry FC: Game management – Full credit to Cavalry here. They faced a top side in the Wanderers and didn’t falter. Cavs midfielders Elijah Adekugbe and Nico Pasquotti were tested at all times, but maintained a solid intensity over the 90 minutes. Classic Cavalry.

TOP PERFORMER

Nathan Mavila (Cavalry FC): We’ll take the goalscorer. The Englishman’s opener showcased his incredible vision – picking out a surprise chance on goal – all while under pressure. Mavila had a good night going the other way as well, leading the match with 11 earned possessions and two interceptions.