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The inaugural Northern Super League (NSL) final will feature Vancouver Rise FC following a thrilling semifinal against Ottawa Rapid FC. The match took place at TD Place Stadium and ended dramatically in a penalty shootout after both teams drew on aggregate.
Vancouver’s Sofia Hagman became the standout player, scoring the decisive penalty in the sixth round, securing victory for her team.
Entering the second leg trailing 2-1, Vancouver demonstrated remarkable determination and skill. Ottawa began the match strongly, taking an early 2-0 lead, which put significant pressure on Vancouver.
However, a late equalizer from Vancouver’s Holly Ward sent the game into extra time, where both teams fought fiercely before the penalties decided the outcome.
Match overview
In the first half, Ottawa’s Delaney Baie Pridham opened the scoring in the 27th minute.
Shortly after, Melanie Forbes added another goal just four minutes into the second half, pushing the Rapid ahead 2-0 on the night and 3-2 on aggregate. The tension mounted as Vancouver struggled to find their rhythm, but they continued to press forward.
Vancouver’s resilience
As the clock ticked down, Vancouver appeared on the brink of elimination. However, with only five minutes remaining in regulation, Holly Ward connected with a perfectly placed cross from Mariah Lee, scoring a crucial goal that leveled the match at 2-2 and sent it into extra time.
This moment ignited the Vancouver fans and revitalized the team’s spirit.
Decisive penalty shootout
Penalty shootout highlights Vancouver’s resilience
The penalty shootout tested the nerves of both teams. Vancouver’s goalkeeper, Morgan McAslan, emerged as a key player, making two crucial saves, including one from Julia Benati.
This save was vital as it kept Vancouver’s chances alive in the shootout.
As the score stood at 4-4 in penalties, Sofia Hagman took center stage. She confidently converted her penalty kick, clinching a 5-4 victory for the Rise. This win was not only a personal milestone for Hagman but also a historic achievement for the team, marking their first-ever success in a shootout.
Reflections from the coaches
After the match, Ottawa’s coach, Katrine Pederson, conveyed a blend of pride and disappointment. She remarked, “This is both the best and the worst part of football,” highlighting the emotional highs and lows of the game. “We entered knowing we had to win, and despite a slow start, we gained momentum as the match progressed. It is painful to lose in this manner, but we can take pride in our performance and the achievements of this season.”
Looking ahead to the NSL final
Following this victory, Vancouver Rise FC is poised to compete in the NSL final on November 15. They will face the winner of the other semifinal, which features AFC Toronto against the Montreal Roses. Toronto currently holds a 2-0 lead after their first leg, and anticipation is mounting as fans await the championship match.
Vancouver gears up for championship final
Vancouver is set to host a significant event, propelled by recent achievements and a strong sense of teamwork. The game on Saturday highlighted the team’s skill and their relentless drive to excel on a prominent stage.
In a poignant conclusion, Desiree Scott, captain of the Rapid, announced her retirement following the match, signaling the end of an era for the team. The inaugural NSL championship final attracted a crowd of 3,068 fans, indicating the high anticipation surrounding this pivotal event.
