VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Rise FC are aiming for three wins on the bounce before the break for the upcoming international window, as they travel to Laval to face Montréal Roses FC on Saturday.

GOING BACK TO BACK: Rise FC had a huge momentum shift last week, as they recorded back-to-back wins against Halifax Tides FC and AFC Toronto. Against Toronto at home, Rise FC were able to really flex their muscles. A dominant first half saw Rise FC score twice to take command of the match. Latifah Abdu thundered home the opening goal after 11 minutes to put Rise FC into the lead before Abdu was fouled inside the box after a fantastic team move played her in 20 minutes later. Quinn then stepped up for the penalty, and coolly dispatched it, sending the ‘keeper the wrong way to make it 2-0. AFC Toronto had a surge of energy in the second half, but Rise FC were able to stay strong thanks to a huge defensive effort from the whole team. Toronto did end up getting a late consolation goal, but it proved too little too late as Rise FC held on to make it six points out of six in one week. 

REMATCH AT BORÉALE: After Rise FC were felled 4-0 on the road by Montréal Roses FC earlier this month, they will be out for redemption on their return four weeks later. Rise FC are coming back to Laval looking sharper and hungrier than before. Not only did Rise FC grab three valuable points last week against AFC Toronto, but they also controlled the midfield and dominated the pace of the match, frustrating Toronto. They will need to do the same if they are to continue this streak of good form against a Montréal Roses FC side that is top of the table and playing some fast, attacking football.  

ABDU HEATING UP: While it’s been a whole team effort to turn Rise FC’s form around, one player in particular has been hitting their stride in the attack, and it’s one that Roses FC fans will be familiar with – Latifah Abdu. Abdu has two goals so far this season for Rise FC, but her impact has gone beyond just scoring goals. Abdu’s physicality and clever positioning has allowed her to bulldoze past defenders and bring other Rise FC players into the attack. That was showcased with her ability to brush off her defender when she smashed home the opener vs. Toronto, and also in her smart run that drew the penalty for Quinn’s winner in that match. Now coming back to the place that she first called home in the Northern Super League, Abdu will be wanting to keep that form up, secure three points for Rise FC and maybe even grab her first goal against her ex-team.