Sports
Vancouver Rise FC’s Holly Ward Scored First CanWNT Goal By An NSL Player
Last night’s Canadian Women’s National Team victory over Haiti was more than just a win, it marked the first time a Northern Super League player scored a goal in a Canadian National Team match. Holly Ward, forward for Vancouver Rise FC, scored her first senior international goal and added an assist in Canada’s 2-0 win, becoming the first Northern Super League (NSL) player to score for the CanWNT. She was also named Player of the Match.
Ward made her senior national team debut during the April camp in Vancouver—just weeks after signing with the Rise—and continues to make the most of every opportunity. A standout at the U-20 level, Ward has long been seen as a promising talent in the Canadian system, and last night’s performance was her most impactful yet on the senior stage.
“It felt really special to score in front of Canadian fans,” said Ward. “This was only my second call-up, so I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of the group and to have had this moment on the international stage.”
Vancouver Rise FC President Sinead King congratulated Ward on this accomplishment: “We were so excited to witness Holly’s performance at this match,” said King. “She has shown herself to be an invaluable member of the Club and now, for her country.”
Ward was joined by other Northern Super League players who were called up to this Senior Canadians Women’s National Team competition, including Montréal Roses FC’s Latifah Abdu, AFC Toronto’s Emma Regan and Ottawa Rapid FC’s Desiree Scott, who retired from the National Team after a historic first leg of this competition in Winnipeg where her National Team career was celebrated in front of her hometown crowd.
“The Northern Super League exists partly to provide Canadian players the opportunity to reach their highest potential,” said Christina Litz, NSL President. “With her exceptional performance last night, Ward inspires all across the League to continue in our mission to inspire greatness on and off the pitch.”
Can WNT Head Coach Casey Stoney echoed the sentiments of Litz and King, “She’s a rising star,” said Stoney. “She’s earned every minute, and it’s exciting to see her growing into her game so quickly.”
The NSL’s inaugural season returns this week with three matches on deck:
● Thursday, June 5: Calgary vs. Halifax at 9:00 PM ET (7:00 PM MT) – Streaming on
TSN+, ESPN+ and NSL.ca
● Saturday, June 7: Toronto vs. Ottawa at 12:00 PM ET – Streaming on CBC Gem and
NSL.ca
● Saturday, June 7: Montreal vs. Vancouver at 1:00 PM ET – Broadcast on TSN and
RDS2; also available on ESPN+
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.