The Vancouver Rise have secured a spot in the Northern Super League Final by triumphing over the Ottawa Rapid in a dramatic shootout on Saturday. Sofia Hagman’s crucial penalty in the sixth round of kicks sealed the victory for Vancouver, after Ottawa’s Julia Benati missed her spot kick, saved by Rise goalkeeper Morgan McAslan.
McAslan’s heroics included another penalty save earlier in the shootout, denying Susanne Haaland’s effort in the fifth round. Latifah Abdu’s successful penalty shortly thereafter kept Vancouver’s hopes alive, leading to Hagman’s decisive goal.
Ottawa had taken the lead twice during the match, with goals from Delaney Baie Pridham and Melanie Forbes putting them ahead 2-0 and 3-2 on aggregate. However, a late equalizer from Holly Ward in the 85th minute leveled the score, forcing the game into extra time.
Despite the loss, Rapid head coach Katrine Pederson expressed mixed emotions, acknowledging the team’s strong performance and resilience throughout the match. Vancouver had entered the second leg with a 2-1 advantage from the first leg in Burnaby, where Abdu had scored twice.
In the second leg, Vancouver displayed dominance with more possession, shots on target, and accurate passes compared to Ottawa. With their place in the NSL Final confirmed for November 15, the Rise will face the winner of the semifinal between AFC Toronto and the Montreal Roses. Toronto currently leads the semifinal 2-0 on aggregate.
Desiree Scott, the captain of the Rapid, announced her retirement following the match, which drew an attendance of 3,068 spectators. Fans can watch a replay of the full match to relive the thrilling playoff action between Ottawa and Vancouver at TD Place.