NSL Vancouver Rise FC vs AFC Toronto

It was a nail-biter at Swangard Stadium on Tuesday night as Vancouver Rise FC came up just short in a 3-2 loss to AFC Toronto, despite a strong second-half push.

Toronto wasted no time getting on the board. Emma Ragen scored from distance in just the third minute. Rise FC nearly answered in the ninth when Nedya Sawan’s shot inside the box was deflected wide for a corner.

After a rocky start, Rise FC found their footing and held off more pressure from the visitors. But just before the break, Toronto doubled their lead with a volley from Kaylee Hunter inside the area, giving the away side a 2-0 edge heading into halftime.

Rise FC came out flying after the restart, helped by some key substitutions. Josie Longhurst came close to opening their account four minutes in, forcing a big save from Toronto keeper Sofia Manner. Jaylyn Wright had a go from distance later in the half, but Manner stayed sharp.

Mariah Lee finally pulled one back for Rise in the 69th minute with a clean header off a perfect corner from Samantha Chang. But five minutes later, Nikayla Small slipped one past Morgan McAslan to restore Toronto’s two-goal cushion.

Lisa Perchersky nearly brought Rise FC back within one in the 83rd minute, but her shot at the back post flew just wide. A late penalty gave Rise a lifeline. Quinn converted from the spot in stoppage time, but the final whistle came too soon.

Rise FC return to Swangard on June 22 to face Montréal Roses FC. Kick-off is at 1 p.m. PT. Tickets at vanrisefc.com.

Check our our favourite photos of the game below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!

All Photo Credit: Aly Mae