WHERE TO WATCH:             

BROADCAST: Watch on CBC 
TICKETS: Available here.                

VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver Rise FC head east for the second leg of their playoff semifinal against Ottawa Rapid FC this Saturday, carrying a 2–1 advantage from Tuesday’s home victory. 

JOBS NOT DONE: Rise FC have one foot in the NSL Final presented by Toyota after Tuesday’s massive 2–1 win at Swangard Stadium. The home crowd was electric, with towels swinging and thundersticks clapping, as Rise delivered a composed and determined performance against a tough opponent in Ottawa Rapid FC. Latifah Abdu stole the show with a skillful brace, including a second goal that even caught the attention of visiting football icon Thomas Müller.  

With a one-goal advantage heading into the return leg, Rise FC now control their own destiny, where a win or a draw in Ottawa would see them reach the inaugural NSL Final. Should the aggregate score be tied at the end of the upcoming match, the game would head into two 15-minute periods followed, if needed, by a penalty shootout.  
 
ABDU’S ON FIRE: It’s safe to say that Latifah Abdu has found a home at Vancouver Rise FC. Since arriving in late summer, Abdu has scored five goals, including two braces, both in front of home fans. Her standout performance on Tuesday not only showcased her pace and precision, but also the chemistry she’s developed with her teammates. Her second goal was a perfect example, finished brilliantly from a curved pass by Jessica De Filippo, a connection that traces all the way back to their youth days with Lakeshore SC in Quebec. 

Abdu’s story so far has been one of connection and confidence, the kind that brings teammates closer and fans to their feet. She’ll be looking to do it all over again on Saturday! 

FAMILIAR GROUND, HIGH STAKES: Rise FC returns to TD Place for the fourth time this year, a venue that’s treated them well in recent months. Of their three previous visits to Ottawa, two have ended in wins, including a 2–0 victory in early October and a dramatic 3–2 triumph in August sealed by a last-minute Samantha Chang free kick. 

That record, combined with Tuesday’s momentum, should give Rise FC confidence heading into the deciding leg. Now it’s about putting both of those aspects into action on Saturday for Rise FC to write their name in the history books as one of the league’s first NSL finalists!