The first season of the Northern Super League is coming to a close after seven months, with the championship game set to take place at Toronto’s BMO Field this Saturday. League co-founder Diana Matheson expressed her excitement about the upcoming event, emphasizing the hard work put in by various stakeholders to make the inaugural season a success.
The championship game between AFC Toronto and Vancouver Rise FC is expected to draw a large crowd, with Matheson aiming to sell out the lower bowl at BMO Field. Favorable weather conditions are forecasted for the match, with a temperature of 7°C and light rain expected.
Both teams had a strong regular season, with AFC Toronto finishing at the top of the standings with a record of 16-6-3, while Vancouver placed third with a record of 11-8-6. The teams had an even record in their five regular-season meetings, each winning two games and drawing one.
Matheson described the debut season of the league as a success, citing the strong support from fans and the quality of play on the field. The league has garnered significant interest, with plans to expand by adding a seventh team in 2027, focusing on Central and Western Canada.
International investors have shown interest in the Canadian market for women’s professional sports, recognizing the potential of the Northern Super League. Matheson highlighted the significance of Canada as a leading country in women’s sports and the league’s competitiveness on a global scale.
The growth of women’s professional sports in Canada remains a priority for Matheson and the league, with efforts underway to enhance the sport’s infrastructure and attract more investment. The culmination of the season will see Matheson awarding the Diana B. Matheson Cup to the championship-winning team, a moment she anticipates with a sense of surrealism.