Vancouver Rise mark historic achievement at NSL debut

On a wet November night in Toronto, as dusk faded behind BMO Field, a corner of the city erupted in celebration. Fireworks lit the murky sky as Samantha Chang lifted the Diana B. Matheson Cup, marking a historic moment for Vancouver Rise FC. 

The Rise’s 2-1 victory over AFC Toronto crowned Anja Heiner-Møller’s side as the first-ever champions of the Northern Super League (NSL) — the perfect ending to a debut season defined by resilience, determination, and unwavering competitive spirit.

The championship match delivered drama from the first whistle. Despite heavy rain, the 12,429 spectators who braved the weather witnessed a thrilling contest: a lightning delay, a blistering opening half from Toronto, and a character-filled comeback from Vancouver. 

AFC Toronto had been the league’s benchmark all season, advancing to the final after a 6-1 aggregate victory over the Montréal Roses, while Vancouver’s path had been far less straightforward. The Rise finished third in the regular season and survived a penalty shootout against the Ottawa Rapid, with goalkeeper Morgan McAslan producing a series of decisive stops.

In the final, McAslan was called into action immediately, keeping her team alive with multiple critical saves, including a standout fingertip stop on Esther Okoronkwo’s tight-angle shot. Toronto repeatedly targeted the wide channels, especially through Okoronkwo and the electric 17-year-old Kaylee Hunter. Hunter broke through Vancouver’s back line and scored in the 19th minute, raising the possibility of a runaway lead.

Additional scoring opportunities for Toronto were wasted before a half-hour lightning delay paused play. The break allowed Vancouver to regroup, and when action resumed, the Rise displayed improved cohesion. Their equalizer came through a scrappy moment when Nikki Stanton’s driven ball to the near post skipped through goalkeeper Sierra Cota-Yarde’s grasp and deflected off Rebecca Lake into the net. 

Toronto continued to miss opportunities, and Vancouver punished them with just about 20 minutes remaining. Holly Ward surged down the left, cut inside, and unleashed a curling strike past Cota-Yarde to take the lead. Toronto pressed desperately for an equalizer, including a late handball appeal, but referee Marie-Soleil Beaudoin waved it off. The final whistle confirmed Vancouver’s triumph, sparking celebrations on the field as players embraced in pure joy.

The excitement carried north to Vancouver, where hundreds of fans packed the Hollywood Theatre on Nov. 19 evening for a championship celebration. The event was a full-scale tribute to the team’s achievements and the rise of professional women’s soccer in Canada. 

Olympic gold medallist Stephanie Labbé was in attendance, greeting fans and taking photos. Heiner-Møller, wearing her medal, mingled with supporters, offering congratulations and smiles that reflected the steady leadership that had guided the Rise all season. Fans were invited to take photos with the championship trophy, providing a tangible connection to the historic achievement.

The celebration included a presentation of the end-of-season awards. Samantha Chang received the Rise Excellence Award, recognizing her leadership and dedication throughout the season. Jessika Cowart earned Defensive MVP, Jessica De Filippo was named Offensive MVP, Kirstin Tynan and Shannon Woeller were honoured with the Ambassador Award, and Nikki Stanton received the Together We Rise Award, acknowledging her relentless grit and determination.

Media coverage highlighted the broader significance of the event. The 2025 NSL season established a professional pathway for young Canadian players, with 101 of the 148 participants being Canadian and seven earning senior national team callups. The league has already announced plans to expand with a seventh club in 2027, underscoring its growing role in Canadian women’s soccer.

The Hollywood Theatre celebration was more than a ceremony. It was a moment of community and a gathering of supporters, players, and coaches to honour a historic achievement. The energy in the room reflected the magnitude of the Rise’s accomplishment, the pride of fans, and the optimism for the league’s future. With players taking photos, sharing laughs, and fans cheering for their heroes, the evening felt like both a culmination and a beginning.

The 2025 NSL season will be remembered as a landmark year for women’s soccer. The Vancouver Rise FC championship, celebrated in both Toronto and Vancouver, symbolizes the emergence of a new era for professional women’s soccer in Canada. It is a story of resilience, community, and the growing recognition of women’s sport — one that promises to inspire the next generation of players and fans.