The first season of the Northern Super League concluded on Saturday with significant support from the federal government, inclement weather causing delays, and intense on-field action. The Vancouver Rise clinched a thrilling 2-1 victory over AFC Toronto in front of 12,429 fans at BMO Field, with the Diana B. Matheson Cup presented by two female Mounties on behalf of NSL president Christina Litz.
Vancouver captain Samantha Chang expressed her pride in being part of the league, highlighting the team’s journey from the inaugural match to winning the first trophy. Coach Anja Heiner-Moller commended the team’s resilience, particularly evident in their path to the final through a demanding penalty shootout.
Despite being outshot by Toronto, Vancouver’s goalkeeper Morgan McAslan was named player of the match for her outstanding performance. The Rise overcame a first-half deficit, equalizing with a Toronto own goal and ultimately securing the win with Holly Ward’s decisive goal.
Toronto, the regular-season leaders, fell short in the final despite creating numerous scoring opportunities. The match was interrupted by a lightning warning, leading to a brief delay as spectators sought shelter. The game saw Vancouver displaying determination and tactical prowess, ultimately claiming victory over the favored Toronto side.
The ownership group of the Vancouver Rise, which includes former Canada captain Christine Sinclair, witnessed a challenging match as the team overcame obstacles like a player substitution and weather delays. The final marked the culmination of a successful season, supported by a substantial financial commitment from the government to foster the league’s growth.
Both Vancouver and Toronto had notable performances throughout the season, culminating in a tightly contested final. The teams navigated different paths to the championship, with Vancouver’s victory standing as a testament to their perseverance and unity.