Sports
Warriors March to NLL Semifinals After Win Against Rochester Knighthawks
The Vancouver Warriors are heading to the NLL semifinals after a dominant 15-10 win over the Rochester Knighthawks at Rogers Arena.
Vancouver came out swinging with a five-goal burst early in the game, building a strong 9-3 lead by halftime. Rochester made it interesting with a three-goal push to open the fourth quarter, but the Warriors didn’t flinch. They answered fast and closed the door.
This one was all about grit. The Warriors stayed composed when the pressure was on, sticking to their plan and refusing to let the momentum slip. That “bend but don’t break” mindset held firm through every run Rochester threw at them.
The defence showed up in a big way. The Warriors killed off all three penalties, and added goals from defenders Jeff Cornwall and Ryan Dilks on transition plays. Owen Grant chipped in with a shorthanded goal. Between the pipes, Christian Del Bianco was rock solid, stopping 47 shots.
Keegan Bal led the charge on offense with a monster 11-point night, scoring five and setting up six more. It was his first NLL playoff game, and he looked locked in from the first draw. When Rochester threatened late, it was Bal who slammed the brakes on their run with a long-range goal to make it 12-8.
Vancouver’s aggressive start set the tone. They didn’t wait around, they attacked early and often. And while there were a few bumps in the second half, they never lost their grip on the game.
Now it’s on to Buffalo. The Warriors will face the top-seeded Bandits in Game 1 of the semifinals on Friday, May 2 at 4:00 p.m. PT. They’ll hit the road, but their focus stays the same: prep hard, recover well, and trust the system that’s gotten them this far.
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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.