Match breakdown: Vancouver Rise FC vs. AFC Toronto
Earning a 2-1 victory, Rise soccer players are growing in confidence and team chemistry
Soccer player Samantha Chang secured both goals for the Vancouver team during their match against Toronto. (Kampus Production/Pexels/Suneet Gill)
Vancouver Rise FC fought back from an early deficit to secure a 2-1 win over Association Football Club (AFC) Toronto on July 24 in a match that showcased the team’s growing resilience and tactical maturity.
Toronto took the initiative from kickoff and were rewarded in the ninth minute when Kaylee Hunter pounced on a defensive lapse and tucked her shot past goalkeeper Morgan McAslan. It was a sharp finish that tested Vancouver’s composure early — and momentarily tilted momentum in the visitors’ favour.
But Vancouver Rise didn’t flinch.
Just 11 minutes later, Samantha Chang struck back. A clever assist from Jessica De Filippo set her up outside the box, where Chang rifled a low shot that beat Sofia Manner to draw the match level. The equalizer visibly shifted the tone of the game, sparking energy in the Vancouver midfield and steadying their defensive shape.
Shortly after, the team had to adapt once more when defender Ariel Young went down injured. Kennedy Faulknor stepped in seamlessly, and, despite the reshuffle, Vancouver’s back line held strong.
As the first half ticked on, so did Vancouver’s confidence. Josie Longhurst — quietly influential throughout — picked out another sharp pass in the 35th minute, releasing Chang again. This time, the midfielder delivered with style, curling her shot past the keeper to complete her brace and give the Rise a 2-1 lead.
The second half was less about fireworks and more about discipline. Vancouver settled into a controlled shape, determined to protect their lead. Head coach Anja Heiner-Møller’s substitutions brought fresh energy and structure, including the debut of Yuka Okamoto, who added a layer of calm in midfield during the closing stretch.
Defensively, Rise were composed and effective. McAslan recovered from her early setback to make a string of solid saves, while Jaylyn Wright’s critical late block ensured Toronto couldn’t find a way back in. It was a complete team effort — not just to take the lead, but to protect it.
There were standout performances across the pitch. Chang’s two goals marked her first for the club — a breakout moment. Longhurst’s assist added to her growing influence in the side. And multiple players, including Wright, Jasmyne Spencer, and Holly Ward, crossed the 1,000-minute mark this season — a testament to their consistency and importance in the squad.
Off the back of a strong showing against Halifax, this result felt like further proof that Rise FC is settling into its identity, with chemistry developing and confidence growing.
The inaugural season is nearing its final stretch — and Vancouver is beginning to look like a side capable of making real noise.
