Vancouver Rise FC Edges Calgary Wild FC 1-0 In Historic First Ever Northern Super League Game
It was an historic occasion at BC Place on Wednesday night (April 16), as Vancouver Rise FC got their very first win in club and league history after a 1-0 win over Calgary Wild FC.
Vancouver Rise FC vs Calgary Wild FC
It was an action-packed start to the game, as both Vancouver Rise FC and Wild FC searched for that historic early goal. In the first 10 minutes, Mariah Lee had a pair of close calls sandwiching a Sarah Griffith chance that nearly allowed her to go through on goal. Lee was once again at the forefront of Vancouver Rise FC’s attack, almost connecting on a low cross inside the box but sliding just a fraction of a second behind.
Quinn wins a header for Vancouver Rise FC
Then, in the 22nd minute, history was made. Holly Ward was taken down in the box and the referee pointed to the spot for a penalty. Up stepped Quinn and they made no mistake, slotting it into the bottom right corner to score both Vancouver Rise FC’s and Northern Super League’s first ever goal. Nikki Stanton nearly made it a quick-fire second after finding space at the edge of the box but drilled it low for Calgary Wild FC’s keeper Stephanie Bukovec to collect.
Ward continued to be a threat down the left for Vancouver Rise FC and came close herself to scoring after dribbling near the byline and smashing an effort off the post from a tight angle. Kahli Johnson almost got Calgary Wild FC back on levelled terms, getting on the end of an early cross but poked her effort just wide of the mark.
Calgary Wild FC then held it down for the rest of the first half, keeping their lead going into the break.
The second half saw Vancouver Rise FC start strong, defending well and keeping Calgary Wild FC’s attack at bay. The game was at a simmer until the 72nd minute, when a dangerous cross in by Ward saw Sara Lilja lunge for a shot, but it was blocked before it could come off. Johnson once again came close to clawing one back for Calgary Wild FC shortly after, getting on the end of a loose clearance at the edge of the box but firing well over the goal.
Vancouver Rise FC vs Calgary Wild FC
Ward was at it again in the 83rd minute, slaloming into the box before unleashing a vicious shot towards the near post, forcing a big save from Bukovec. Calgary Wild FC had one more throw of the dice right in added time, drilling a low cross into Vancouver Rise FC’s box, before it was valiantly cleared by Jessika Cowart. That would prove to be the last action of the match as Vancouver Rise FC secured their very first win of the Northern Super League.
Post game celebrations for Vancouver Rise FC players, coaches and staff
Vancouver Rise FC are in action again on Sunday, April 27th for their Swangard Stadium home-opener against Roses de Montreal. Kick-off is at 12pm PT.
Vancouver Rise FC - www.vanrisefc.com
Calgary Wild FC - www.calgarywildfc.com
Northern Super League - www.NSL.ca
