Sports
Vancouver Rise FC Claim Historic First Playoff Win with 2–1 Victory Over Ottawa Rapid FC
It was a big night at Swangard Stadium on Tuesday as Vancouver Rise FC made club history, earning their first-ever playoff win with a 2–1 victory over Ottawa Rapid FC in the first leg of the NSL Playoff Semifinals presented by Toyota.
Rise came out flying from kickoff. Samantha Chang and Jessica De Filippo each tested Ottawa’s backline early, while Holly Ward nearly struck first after breaking through on the left, but her shot slipped under goalkeeper Melissa Dagenais and rolled just wide. At the other end, Jasmyne Spencer came up with a huge defensive stop, throwing herself into a tackle to block a dangerous chance in the 11th minute.
The breakthrough came in the 15th minute when Latifah Abdu pounced on a loose pass from the Rapid FC defense and slotted home to make it 1–0. She doubled the lead just six minutes later, finishing off a perfect early cross from De Filippo with a sharp turn and strike inside the box. With a 2–0 cushion, Rise settled in and dictated the pace, looking confident in possession.
Spencer nearly added another before halftime with a long-range effort that forced Dagenais into a diving save, and Ward came close again with a diving attempt that sailed just over the bar.
The second half saw more of the same as Rise continued to press for a third. Abdu almost completed her hat trick after another crafty run from De Filippo through midfield, but her left-footed shot went just wide. Ward kept testing Ottawa’s keeper, driving low efforts toward goal, but Dagenais stood tall.
Ottawa pulled one back in the 68th minute when D.B. Pridham cut inside from the right and fired a shot inside the near post to make it 2–1. The goal gave Rapid FC a late spark, but Rise’s defense held strong under pressure. Spencer again came up clutch with a last-ditch tackle to deny a breakaway, helping preserve the lead.
In the final minutes, Rise cleared everything that came their way and saw out the win — a gritty, historic result that puts them in control heading into the second leg in Ottawa on Saturday, November 8 at 12 p.m. PT.
Sports
Vancouver Rise FC Reveal 2026 “After Dark” Home Kit
Vancouver Rise FC has revealed its new “After Dark” home kit for the 2026 Northern Super League season, pulling inspiration straight from the natural setting that surrounds its home at Swangard Stadium.
The design pays tribute to Central Park in Burnaby, with visuals that reflect the quiet, layered beauty of the park at night. Tree silhouettes stretch across the kit, creating a sense of depth and movement—meant to mirror the experience of looking up through the canopy after dark.
The club says the concept ties closely to its motto, “Stronger by Nature,” grounding the team’s identity in the environment that surrounds it. The design blends all crest colours with added tones that bring warmth and balance, giving the kit a look that feels both rooted and refined. Paired with classic shorts and socks, it leans into tradition while still telling a clear local story.
A key detail returns on both the After Dark kit and the club’s secondary “Sunshine Kit” for 2026. A Gold Pointed Star sits on the left sleeve, marking Vancouver Rise FC as the inaugural champions of the Northern Super League. The patch represents the league’s top honour and signals the club’s early place in its history.
Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley praised the design and its connection to the community, pointing to the pride residents have in their parks and green spaces. He added that seeing Central Park reflected in the team’s identity makes the return to Swangard Stadium for the new season feel even more meaningful.
The After Dark kit leans heavily into place and atmosphere. It’s less about flash and more about identity—something that feels tied to where the team plays and who shows up for them.
Pre-orders for both the After Dark and Sunshine kits are now available through the club’s official store, with options for delivery or in-stadium pickup.
Sports
Vancouver Rise FC Transfer Holly Ward to NWSL Side Seattle Reign FC
Vancouver Rise FC has made a major statement about its player development pathway. The club announced Friday that winger Holly Ward has been transferred to Seattle Reign FC of the National Women’s Soccer League for an undisclosed fee.
The move marks the first time a Rise FC Academy graduate has been transferred out of the club, setting a new benchmark for the organization and the broader Northern Super League.
Sporting director Stephanie Labbé called the transfer a defining moment. She pointed to Ward’s rise through the system as proof that the league is doing what it set out to do—create real opportunities for Canadian players.
Ward’s journey with the club began in 2018 when she joined the Rise FC Academy, then known as the Whitecaps FC Girls Elite Academy. Seven years later, she returned home to sign her first professional deal ahead of the 2025 season.
The 22-year-old from North Vancouver wasted no time making an impact. She started 27 of 28 matches in her rookie campaign, scoring eight goals and adding five assists. Her biggest moment came in the league’s inaugural final, where she scored the winner in a 2–1 victory over AFC Toronto to secure the Diana B. Matheson Cup.
Speaking about the move, Ward described her time in Vancouver as a dream realized. Playing professionally in her hometown and helping deliver a championship made the experience hard to leave behind, though she expressed excitement about the next step in her career.
Her breakout season didn’t go unnoticed at the international level. Ward earned her first senior call-up to the Canadian women’s national team and made history on June 3 by becoming the first NSL player to score for Canada in a match against Haiti.
Head coach Anja Heiner-Møller praised Ward’s growth and character, highlighting her attacking ability, work ethic, and presence in the locker room. She noted that Ward’s development—from academy prospect to national team contributor—reflects the strength of the club’s environment.
The transfer is a significant step for Rise FC as it begins to participate in the global player market, something the club sees as key to long-term growth. It also reinforces the idea that young Canadian players can develop at home and still reach top leagues abroad.
Rise FC now turns its focus to the upcoming season. The club will open its 2026 campaign with a championship rematch against AFC Toronto on April 24 at Swangard Stadium, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. PT.
Fans can purchase single-match tickets or explore package options, including season memberships that cover all 13 home games and flexible ticket bundles built around the home opener.