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VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Rise FC are gearing up for a big game at Swangard Stadium, hosting Halifax Tides FC in a match with potential playoff implications. 

TAKING STEPS FORWARD: Rise FC are heading into this week fired up after last weekend’s heartbreaking finale. Rise FC was leading 2-1 against Calgary Wild FC going into the final stages, but a red card and a pair of late goals from Calgary turned the match into a 3-2 defeat. With the three points just minutes away, Rise FC forward Jessica De Filippo spoke of the team’s competitive spirit: “I’m a competitor, I want to win, but I hate losing more than I like winning, so this is not a fun day,” she explained. “I hope we take steps forward to progress because there’s still a lot of points to be taken this season, and we need to take them all honestly, so we need to fight and do it as a team.” The next step starts with Halifax Tides FC on Saturday, as the team will look to get back to their very best heading into the business end of the season.

KEEPING IT CLOSE: This Saturday’s match against Halifax Tides FC is a huge match for Rise FC, as they battle against their closest rivals in the table. Tides FC currently sit in fourth place, the last playoff place in the league, on 21 points. Rise FC sit just behind in fifth on 16 points, meaning a Rise FC win on Saturday could cut the deficit to just two points. The last match was a tight affair, with Tides FC just edging it with a 1-0 scoreline. Rise FC will need to be clinical on Saturday to get the three points and start their climb back up the table. 

FRESH FACES: Rise FC have brought in some reinforcements this transfer window, including the recently announced pair of Chantelle Swaby and Burnaby, BC product Kaela Hansen. Swaby joins with a wealth of experience, having played in some of the best leagues in the world, including England’s Women's Super League (Leicester City), France’s Arkema Première Ligue (FC Fleury) and the US’s NWSL (Gotham FC). The Jamaican defender also has played at two FIFA Women’s World Cups, helping Jamaica reach a best-ever quarter-final finish in 2023. Meanwhile, Hansen comes back home after playing an important part of AFC Toronto’s NSL Shield win last season, making 24 appearances at the back for Toronto on the way to the NSL Final. Both players will be looking to make an instant impact as Rise FC continue to fight for a place in the playoffs.