Drag and soccer superstars on the field: Vancouver Rise FC celebrates 1st Pride match

Swangard Stadium pulsed with colour, music, and meaning as Vancouver Rise FC hosted their first-ever Pride Match on Aug. 2. The afternoon game fused celebration and football, with drag artistry and sporting grit. 

The occasion was historic — the atmosphere electric. Despite a performance laced with determination and flair, the Rise were forced to settle for a dramatic 3-3 draw after conceding a devastating equalizer deep into stoppage time.

The day was a spectacle before the first kickoff. Drag king AndrogynAss, winner of Vancouver’s Next Drag Superstar 2024, stormed the stage with a performance that redefined the boundary between pre-match ritual and cultural statement. It set a tone: bold, proud, and unapologetically queer.

Then came the football — and it wasted no time in delivering.

In the 14th minute, Ottawa’s D. B. Pridham struck first, pouncing after a rebound from debutant goalkeeper Kirstin Tynan, who was making her first start of the season. 

The setback lasted just two minutes. Quinn, always capable of the spectacular, curled a right-footed beauty into the far corner — their fifth of the campaign — assisted by Holly Ward. It was a goal that not only restored parity but sparked the Rise to life.

The lead swung again just eight minutes later. Ottawa’s Choo Hyo-joo finished coolly to make it 2-1 for the visitors, and once again Vancouver were chasing. But they responded with intent. 

Jessica De Filippo rattled the crossbar with a blistering strike. Jasmyne Spencer nearly scored with an audacious volley. And just before halftime, Samantha Chang won the ball high up the pitch, sparking a sequence that ended with Lisa Pechersky finishing neatly for her second of the season.

At the break, the crowd was treated to a standout performance from drag performer Venus, winner of Season 4 of Canada’s Drag Race. Venus is a two-spirit performer and her appearance added another layer to the event’s message — that Pride in soccer is more than a rainbow filter, it’s about inclusion, visibility, and belonging. The standing ovation at halftime said it all.

Tactically, the Rise reshuffled at halftime. Josie Longhurst and Jaylyn Wright made way for Nikki

Stanton and Yuka Okamoto, who brought balance and control to midfield. Tynan made a confident save early in the second half, and the match’s tempo never let up.

Then came the moment that felt like the winner.

In the 59th minute, Okamoto picked up her first assist for the club with a perfectly weighted ball to Ward, who danced past her marker and slotted it low past the keeper to make it 3-2. The goal was Ward’s third of the season — and a just reward for her relentless energy on the left.

There were more chances. Ward came close again minutes later, and both Lisa Pechersky and Mariah Lee tested the Ottawa back line. 

For much of the second half, Vancouver looked in control — tactically sound, emotionally charged, and full of belief.

But in soccer, belief isn’t always enough.

In the 97th minute, with the finish line in sight, Kayla Adamek broke free and slotted in a last-gasp equalizer after a questionable no call on what appeared to be a foul on Shannon Woeller. 

The goal stood. The match ended 3-3. And just like that, what should have been a euphoric night became one tinged with frustration.

Still, the match had its heroes. Tynan impressed in her Northern Super League debut, and Kennedy Faulknor brought composure in her return. Chang added another assist, bringing her season total to three. Ward now has seven goal contributions, with four assists and three goals. Quinn still remains the Rise’s top scorer.

The journey continues for the Vancouver Rise. They now head east for a tough run. The club’s upcoming matches are against AFC Toronto on Aug. 17 and a return meeting with Ottawa on Aug. 24. They’re back at Swangard Stadium on Aug. 30 for a matchup against Montréal Roses FC, perhaps the perfect time for a long-awaited De Filippo home goal (girl math says it’s coming — Aug. 30 is 3+0+8=11).

The final minutes were brutal, but this night was always bigger than the scoreline. It was a tribute to identity, joy, and community — and no last-minute goal could take that away.