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VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver Rise FC (9W-5L-5D) travel to Toronto in hopes of closing the gap between themselves and AFC Toronto (12W-6L-2D) on Saturday, in a match with huge title implications.  

CLOSING THE GAP TO FIRST: After last Saturday’s win, Rise FC are firmly in a title race now in second place. Sitting on 32 points, the gap to first-place AFC Toronto on 38 points is getting closer than ever. With Toronto having a game in hand, this weekend’s match will have massive regular season title implications. Should Rise FC win against Toronto and win their game in hand, they will be tied on points. However, Rise FC currently have the better goal difference (+10 compared to AFC Toronto’s +8), so should they be on level on points, Rise FC will likely be ahead on goal difference.  

Last time they visited Toronto they came away with a massive 1-0 win despite being down to ten players for the majority of the game. If they can replicate that same spirit on Saturday, AFC Toronto will have to watch their backs as Rise FC won’t stop until they get that crown. 

BECOMING UNSTOPPABLE: Rise FC are on a historic run, going eight matches undefeated since July 12th. The team is also on a four-match winning streak after their emphatic 6-0 victory over Calgary Wild FC at home this past Saturday. New signing Latifah Abdu had a debut to remember, as she scored twice to bring her total season tally to eight. That 6-0 win tied the record for the largest winning scoreline (a record already held by Rise FC with their 6-0 win over Halifax Tides FC on July 19), as well as the most goals scored in a single match, showcasing the confidence that this team is in.  

With a whopping 23 goals scored and only 7 goals conceded since the start of this streak, Rise FC are certainly the most in-form team in the NSL! 

ALL AROUND EXCELLENCE: A huge aspect of Rise FC’s recent success is the depth in performance across the roster. Many players have stepped up during this run, with Quinn and Holly Ward leading the way with 12 and 10 goal contributions in the league. Forwards Mariah Lee, Lisa Pechersky and Jessica De Filippo have popped in with goals as well, with the latter two scoring some screamers in recent weeks. Meanwhile the defensive line in front of ‘keeper Morgan McAslan has helped Rise FC reach a league-high of seven clean sheets after last week’s shoutout.  

Thanks to the full team effort, Rise FC are now one of the most formidable scoring sides in the league, tied for first for the most goals scored with Ottawa Rapid FC on 33 goals, and outright first with passes made. With individual awards for Ward, Quinn and De Filippo this past week as well, Rise FC are dominating across the board.