Vancouver Rise Fall Short to Toronto AFC at the Home Opener

CREDIT: PEACE ARCH NEWS

The defending NSL champions redefined the meaning of rivalry as they faced-off against Toronto AFC on Apr 24 for the home opener. With a sold out crowd, Swangard Stadium cheered loudly to welcome the new NSL season.

The first half saw an early push by Toronto. With an early domination of the attacking third, Toronto controlled the ball with precision. They opened the scoring in the 8’ with a goal by Zoe Burns, assisted by Sarah Stratigakis.

The Rise did not allow for their spirits to go down, with the equalizer coming in the 18’. Camila Reyes, making her NSL debut, saw the opportunity to shoot. With a bar down goal, Reyes got her first goal in her first game. 

Both teams were now looking to get the lead. Latifah Abdu took this opportunity to score at the 30’. With 15 minutes left in the first half, the Rise now held the lead.

Toronto took half-time to regroup and come into the field with newfound energy. The Rise were now under pressure from Toronto, who got a free kick and took the opportunity to get the equalizer. Esther Okoronkwo crossed the ball to Stratgakis and made the score 2-2 in the 61’.

Okoronkwo saw yet another opportunity to regain the lead and gave Toronto the 3-2 lead.

Vancouver Rise FC could not get the win but the energy was high throughout the 90 minutes in Swangard stadium.