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The grind does not stop for Rise FC. 

After Sunday’s thrilling end to the match against AFC Toronto, Rise FC will be looking to continue this good run of undefeated form against Ottawa Rapid FC on Thursday. No doubt still buzzing from Jessica De Filippo’s last minute equalizer in Toronto, Rise FC will want to spoil the party once again as they visit 4th place Rapid FC for the first time. 

SHOWING THAT ‘NEVER GIVE UP’ ATTITUDE: In Rise FC’s first-ever away match to AFC Toronto last week, the team almost suffered their first road defeat after AFC Toronto player Aoi Kizaki scored what looked like the winner in the 84th minute of the game. Up until that point, Rise FC had been pushing and controlling the match, looking for that goal to put them up over the home side. Yet, even with Toronto’s goal coming so late and all hope nearly lost, Jessica De Filippo came up the hero to turn home a last-gasp equalizer from a corner kick in added time. 

That kind of resilience and grit will suit Rise FC, who face a tough Rapid FC side at their home – a place they have yet to lose at. With the season still in it’s early stages, these initial away matches will be crucial in continuing to climb up the standings and keep that early charge for the NSL title. 

SCORING BY COMMITTEE: Even though it’s only been four Matchdays into the season, Rise FC is already showing that goals can come from anywhere on the pitch. After the opening two goals came courtesy of star midfielder Quinn from the penalty spot in the opening two games, defenders and forwards have begun to chip in as well. Last week, fans saw defender Jasmyne Spencer come up with a stunning strike to sink Halifax Tides FC, while this past Sunday, De Filippo scored that crucial goal to split the honours against Toronto. 

Up against Rapid FC, Rise FC will need all players ready to convert after Ottawa kept Calgary Wild FC — a side that had scored five goals in their previous two matches — to zero shots on target in their own backyard. Against a stubborn defense, you never know who might come up with the winner!

THE FIRST PROPER SIX-POINTER: After Matchday 4, only Montréal Roses FC (3-0-1) have a better record than Rise FC (2-1-1). But close behind them is Ottawa Rapid FC (1-1-1), who with a game in hand could catch up to Rise FC and put pressure for those top two spots. That means that this upcoming match between Rise FC and Rapid FC will be crucial for both teams in their hunt for the regular season title. 

With both teams coming off an impressive road draw, there will be plenty of hunger to get one over the other and climb up the table. If Rise FC can get the victory, it will mean they level with Montréal Roses FC at the top of the table ahead of their match against Calgary Wild FC on Sunday, and they increase the gap between themselves and Rapid FC. There’s no greater motivation than to go get that win!