The Halifax Wanderers made a major signing in July with the addition of Canadian defender Doneil Henry.
Henry, 30, most recently played for MLS side Minnesota United as part of a storied career that has seen him make over 200 professional appearances, including 114 in MLS.
“As every Canadian soccer fan knows, it’s going to be a pleasure to have Doneil as part of our team and add his experience to our group,” Wanderers head coach Patrice Gheisar said. “I think this is huge for the league overall, but also a statement that he believes in Halifax as he would have had many options. I’m excited that he wants to come here as part of his journey.”
From Brampton, Ontario, Henry was a key piece of Canada’s run to the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The team finished first overall in CONCACAF’s final round of qualifying, and Henry started in Canada’s 4-0 win over Jamaica, sending the country to its first FIFA World Cup in 36 years. In total, Henry has made 44 senior appearances for Canada, scoring once.
Henry’s professional career began in 2010 when he became the first-ever Toronto FC academy graduate to sign for the first team. Over two stints with his hometown club, Henry made 101 appearances and scored five goals. During his time in Toronto, Henry also helped the club win three consecutive Canadian Championships in 2010, 2011 and 2012.
Other career highlights include a move in 2015 to English Premier League side West Ham United, along with stints at Blackburn Rovers, the Vancouver Whitecaps and Korean club Suwon Samsung Bluewings.
“It was an easy decision to come to Halifax,” Henry said. “I’m excited to be close to home, I know a few of the boys on the team, and I know Patrice (Gheisar), who is the reason I wanted to do this because he’s a coach I trust. I know him, and I talked to Kamal (Miller) and Dayne (St. Clair) on the national team about him too.”
“I think my experience can help uplift the young talented guys on this team, I can be a vocal guy that helps us be organized.”
Club closes out July with back-to-back Wins.
The Wanderers closed out July with a 2-0 road victory over York United FC in Toronto on July 30. That victory followed a 1-0 home win over Atletico Ottawa at the Wanderers Grounds.
Halifax plays three home matches in the month of August:
Aug. 7 vs. Pacific FC (3 p.m.)
Aug. 12 vs. Vancouver FC (4 p.m.)
Aug. 26 vs. Valour FC (4 p.m.)
Tickets are available at hfxwanderersfc.ca
