The Vancouver Rise secured a spot in the Northern Super League Final by triumphing over the Ottawa Rapid in a shootout on Saturday. Sofia Hagman’s crucial penalty kick in the sixth round, following Ottawa’s missed attempt by Julia Benati, sealed the victory for Rise. Goalkeeper Morgan McAslan’s outstanding performance included saving two penalties during the shootout, with the pivotal stop against Susanne Haaland. Vancouver’s Latifah Abdu’s successful penalty kept their hopes alive, leading to Hagman’s decisive goal.
The match saw Ottawa taking the lead twice, courtesy of goals from Delaney Baie Pridham and Melanie Forbes, putting them ahead 2-0 in the game and 3-2 on aggregate. However, Holly Ward’s 85th-minute goal for Vancouver leveled the score, forcing extra time. Despite their efforts, Rapid couldn’t maintain their lead, ultimately losing in a dramatic fashion.
Rapid’s head coach, Katrine Pederson, expressed mixed emotions, acknowledging the heartbreak of the loss but also praising her team’s resilience and performance. Vancouver had dominated the second leg, showcasing better possession, more shots on target, and superior passing accuracy compared to Ottawa. The Rise’s upcoming challenge in the NSL Final awaits, where they will face the winner of the AFC Toronto vs. Montreal Roses matchup.
Desiree Scott, Rapid’s captain, announced her retirement post-match, as the attendance was noted at 3,068 spectators. With the NSL Final set for November 15, Vancouver anticipates a tough battle for the championship title.