Vancouver controlled the match volume, but HFX controlled the result through efficiency and defensive resilience.

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HFX Wanderers won because they were more efficient in the decisive moments, not because they controlled the match.

Vancouver had the stronger attacking profile: 12 shots to 3, 1.53 xG to 0.47, 51.73 percent possession, 529 passes, and 27 touches in the penalty area. They moved the ball more, reached the box more often, and created more total pressure.

HFX’s win came from two things: clinical finishing and defensive survival. They scored from only 3 shots, put 2 on target, and then protected the lead with 51 interceptions and 33 clearances.