Preview: AFC Toronto and Vancouver Rise FC set for first-ever NSL Final

AFC Toronto and Vancouver Rise FC last met at BMO Field on Aug. 17, a 1-0 Vancouver victory (Daniel Carrero/INTERMISSION SPORTS)

By Daniel Carrero

After a successful seven months, the inaugural Northern Super League (NSL) season will come to an end on Saturday with the final between Vancouver Rise FC and AFC Toronto at BMO Field. 

Both teams secured a spot in the very first battle for the Diana B. Matheson Cup after winning in their respective semi-final rounds. A spot that every team in the league aspired to be in, but only two were able to reach.

“This is what we prepared for all year, so this means everything for us,” said Vancouver forward Holly Ward. “Playoffs are a bit of a different story. Every team is a different team in the playoffs, and I think we are one that's ready to face whoever. Toronto is an amazing team, but we're ready and excited.” 

AFC Toronto, the Supporters Shield champions, defeated Montreal Roses FC by a global score of 6-1. A 2-0 result in the first leg at Stade Boreale put the Roses in a spot requiring a comeback at York Lions Stadium. Nevertheless, a hat-trick in the second leg from Esther Okoronkwo and a goal from Lauren Rowe sealed the match in AFC’s favour.

But for the team that registered 51 points in the regular season, their goal to return to BMO Field for the third time this season was always in sight.

“When we started our first game at BMO [Field], our biggest thing was once they announced that the final is gonna be in Toronto, we were like ‘We need to be in that,’” said Kaylee Hunter. “It's such a special thing that is hosted here in Toronto. That was one of our main motivations throughout the season…and we've done that.”

On the other side of the key, Vancouver won 5-4 in penalties against Ottawa Rapid FC. Following a tight 2-1 result in the first leg at Swangard Stadium, Rapid’s Delanie Baie Pridham and Melanie Forbes turned the match around. But a goal in the 89th minute from Ward sent the match into extra time and eventually shootouts.

Vancouver goalie Morgan McAslan became the saviour, stopping the last two penalties to send Rise into the final. 

For Vancouver captain Samantha Chang, the way they defeated Ottawa in a shootout meant more than just a ticket to the final.

“We went through a lot in the semis…getting scored on, scoring goals,” she said. “We're taking all that momentum into it and just the way we've been playing, we've been really happy with it, and we want to continue that forward.” 

While this will be the first-ever NSL final, this matchup has already occurred in the past and in the same venue. On Aug. 17, Vancouver won 1-0 over Toronto at BMO Field, marking the second time AFC has lost in the home of Toronto FC and their last loss ever since. Now with the opportunity to redeem themselves, AFC will rely on riding the high of their current streak and mentality.

“We kind of turned the page from that chapter. At this point, we're not thinking about that anymore. I think we're just fully focused on the final and bringing the same momentum that we had coming off the last game,” said Hunter. “Vancouver's a good team and it's gonna be a good game, but I think we have what it takes to lift the trophy in the end.” 

The NSL trophy is named after Diana Matheson, former Canadian national women's soccer team player and co-founder of the league. (Daniel Carrero/INTERMISSION SPORTS)

Beyond the significance of this match for Canadian soccer history, players have looked back on their journey with the sport and what it means to have it in Canadian soil. 

Long-time Canadians like Vancouver’s Quinn—a Toronto-born and raised athlete—now have the opportunity to show their craft at home.

“It’s really exciting, even reflecting on when my [National Women’s Soccer League] team was in the final, versus now and the amount of family and friends that are able to go and enjoy this experience, it's a really special experience to me,” said Quinn. “In a Canadian league and to be where I grew up, it's really something special, so I've reflected on that a bunch the past few days, and it's something that I'm really cherishing for sure.”