Vancouver Rise FC hosts historic playoff game at Swangard Stadium next week
“Playoffs are special since a win, a draw, or a loss has a huge impact on how you approach the second leg,” said Rise FC head coach Anja Heiner-Møller. “Best scenario, you hit the second leg with a win in the bag, but the home/away component also has an impact. If you play the second leg at home, we feel we have a huge advantage and can expect more from the team.
“Meanwhile, tactically, playing the same team within a week also plays a role. Are you saving some tactical components for the second leg and how does the first performance impact the game plan for the next game? What worked and what do we need to improve or maybe change? These are the questions we have to ask ourselves.”
Vancouver Rise FC also made Canadian women’s soccer history this spring when it hosted the first-ever NSL match at BC Place against Calgary Wild FC.
Vancouver Rise FC
The team enters the semifinals after finishing third in the NSL regular season, tying with Ottawa Rapid FC with 39 points after 25 games but just missing out on second place due to the goal differential tiebreaker.
Tickets to cheer on Vancouver Rise FC at Swangard Stadium when they face Ottawa Rapid FC on Tuesday, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. start at just $21.58 plus fees.
Midfielder Samantha Chang also shared that the team is preparing for the playoffs by putting “extra care” into everything that they do.
“You know the end of the season is coming, so you almost feel a new sense of freshness physically,” said Chang. “Mentally, it’s just about trying to focus on the good things you did throughout the season, whether that’s just thinking back or actually watching film. But overall, you just try to go into it as confident as possible.”
Vancouver Rise FC
Vancouver Rise FC is also celebrating Morgan McAslan winning the Northern Super League 2025 Golden Glove award for the most clean sheets in 2025.
McAslan played over 2,100 minutes across 24 matches and had nine clean sheets this season.
Vancouver Rise FC vs. Ottawa Rapid FC
When: Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Swangard Stadium – 6100 Boundary Rd., Burnaby
Cost: Starting at just $21.58 plus fees, purchase online
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