Sports
Vancouver Rise FC Book Spot in NSL Final After Wild Penalty Shootout Win Over Ottawa
It was a thriller at TD Place on Saturday night, as Vancouver Rise FC edged Ottawa Rapid FC 5–4 on penalties after a 3–3 draw on aggregate to advance to the NSL Final presented by Toyota.
Rise came out swinging. Holly Ward nearly opened the scoring inside ten minutes, cutting in from the left and forcing Ottawa keeper Melissa Dagenais into an early save. Samantha Chang hit the post moments later off a clever corner routine, and Jessica De Filippo’s rebound was smothered by Dagenais. Ward stayed active, creating another chance shortly after, but her low shot skimmed just wide.
At the back, Jasmyne Spencer made a crucial sliding block in the 27th minute, but from the ensuing corner, Ottawa took the lead through D.B. Pridham’s header. Rise pushed for a quick reply — De Filippo and Spencer both had decent looks — but couldn’t find the target. Ward kept pressing with dangerous runs down the left, yet the equalizer didn’t come before halftime.
Down on aggregate, Rise came out determined in the second half. Latifah Abdu almost leveled early after a clever flick from De Filippo, but her shot went straight at Dagenais. Ottawa then struck again in the 51st minute through Melanie Forbes, swinging the tie in their favor. Dagenais stayed busy, denying De Filippo on a deflected shot and later stopping Abdu’s free-kick effort that was ruled offside anyway.
Rise kept pushing and were finally rewarded in the 85th minute. Mariah Lee whipped in a perfect cross from the right, and Ward rose above the defense to head home the crucial equalizer, making it 3–3 on aggregate. She nearly gave Rise the lead again minutes later, but Dagenais was there to stop her once more.
With the score level after 90 minutes, the match headed into extra time. Ward came close again with a curling effort that missed by inches, while Pridham rattled the crossbar for Ottawa. Both sides traded chances — De Filippo was denied by another big Dagenais save — but neither could find the winner.
It all came down to penalties. After Rise missed their opening kick, goalkeeper Morgan McAslan turned hero, making two huge saves to swing momentum back Vancouver’s way. Sofia Hagman then stepped up and buried the decisive spot kick, sealing Rise FC’s dramatic win and sending them to the NSL Final.
Vancouver Rise FC now move on to face their next challenge in the NSL Finals presented by Toyota next Saturday, November 15, in Toronto. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. ET.
Sports
Vancouver Rise FC part ways with head coach Anja Heiner-Møller
Vancouver Rise FC announced on Monday that the club has parted ways with head coach Anja Heiner-Møller. Rise FC will be led on the field for the remainder of the 2026 season by the continuing coaching staff of Iain Darbyshire, Katie Collar, and Erin McNulty. Darbyshire will take on the role of interim head coach.
Heiner-Møller, the first head coach in Rise FC history, departs the club with an 18W-18L-8D record in the Northern Super League (NSL) regular season, as well as a memorable playoff run in the inaugural season that ended with a first ever NSL championship.
“We are grateful to Anja for her many contributions to the club, making history as an important part of Rise FC winning the inaugural Diana B. Matheson Cup,” said Robyn Gayle, Rise FC chief soccer officer. “This was a difficult decision and we wish Anja the very best. We have built high expectations, and it’s on all of us, staff and players, to continue raising the standards to meet them. We are focused on moving forward and making a strong push to finish the season successfully.”
Darbyshire joined Rise FC as an assistant coach prior to the start of the 2026 season after serving as Cardiff City FC head of women’s & girls football since July 2020. Under his leadership, Cardiff City FC Women enjoyed a period of unprecedented success, winning eight trophies in six years.
Collar has been with Rise FC since the team started in 2025, after previously leading the Rise FC Academy (formerly Whitecaps FC Girls Elite). Under Collar, the academy won the League1 BC (now BCPL) title in three straight seasons, as well as two straight League1 Canada Inter-Provincial Championships, and the 2023 FIFA/Blue Stars Youth Cup.
McNulty, a UEFA A licensed goalkeeper coach, serves as assistant coach and goalkeeper coach. Following a playing career in Canada, the United States, and Europe, McNulty moved into coaching, including prolonged success with the Rise FC Academy alongside Collar.
Both Collar and McNulty have also spent time coaching with Canada’s national team programs.
Rise FC return to play this coming Sunday, September 13 in a crucial home match against Ottawa Rapid FC at Swangard Stadium. Kickoff will be at 1 p.m. PT.
Message from Anja Heiner-Møller:
“To the fans of Vancouver Rise FC,
My time as head coach has come to an end.
I am proud of what we have built and accomplished, and most importantly from my end, I have done it being true to my values as a coach and human being. I feel that we have shared those values and the passion for this city, Rise FC and sports in general.
I want nothing else than success for Vancouver Rise FC, and I am grateful for the time I had leading this team from the very start of the inaugural season of 2025, the journey to winning the Championship of 2025 and to the tight battle of making the playoffs in the season of 2026.
I am very aware that fans of Vancouver Rise FC are special and you are a big part of this club. We appreciate you and all the things you do for the team. You are supportive, kind, enthusiastic and dedicated, and we have felt your support from the beginning.
Thank you for your support and all the best in the future!
Anja”
Sports
Toronto Tempo Bringing WNBA Action to Vancouver for Two-Game Series
WNBA basketball is coming to Vancouver this summer as the Toronto Tempo bring two regular-season games to Rogers Arena as part of their inaugural season.
The Tempo will face the Portland Fire on August 21 before taking on the Las Vegas Aces on August 23. The two games will give basketball fans across British Columbia a chance to see Canada’s WNBA team play on the West Coast.
The Vancouver series is part of the Tempo’s push to build a team that represents fans across the country. The franchise has already made its mark in its first season, including a record-setting stop in Montreal.
The Tempo’s regular-season showcase at Montreal’s Bell Centre drew 20,996 fans, setting a new WNBA regular-season attendance record. The Vancouver games continue that effort to bring the team closer to fans outside Toronto.
“From the beginning, our vision has been to build a team that represents all of Canada,” said Teresa Resch, President of the Toronto Tempo. “The support we’ve seen from fans across the country has been incredible, and we’re excited to bring the energy of the WNBA to Vancouver.”
Resch added that the games are a chance to celebrate basketball on the West Coast and connect with communities across the country.
Vancouver has a long history with basketball and has produced elite players at various levels. The Tempo’s visit gives local fans a chance to see professional women’s basketball in their own city, while providing young athletes with another opportunity to see the sport at its highest level.
The Tempo will stay in Vancouver beyond the court. The team will host Tempo Live at Rogers Arena on Saturday, August 22. The free community event will feature interactive basketball activities, clinics, exclusive merchandise and family-friendly programming.
Tickets for the Tempo’s August 21 game against Portland and August 23 matchup with Las Vegas are on sale now through Ticketmaster.