VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Rise FC are prepping ahead of a huge match against Ottawa Rapid FC, as they look to bounce back into the playoff spots. 

BANDING TOGETHER: Last week’s match against Halifax Tides FC ended in heartbreak for Rise FC, as the visiting side scored a last-second winner to reclaim the fourth and final playoff spot in the table. Now with only six regular season games left, Rise FC are looking to channel the same resilient attitude that got them to the NSL Final last season, to get them back into the playoff spots. The final six games are split evenly for home and road games, meaning Rise FC need to treat every match like a final as they battle Tides FC to the finish line. No excuses, no more games – it’s time for Rise FC to prove once again why they are ‘Stronger by Nature’.

OTTAWA FACEOFF: First up on the docket is Ottawa Rapid FC, who are also fighting to climb back up the table. The capital city club was top of the league at the start of last month, but since then have gone five games without a win, including four straight losses. Rapid FC now find themselves in second place with 33 points, four points off Montreal Roses FC in first and with AFC Toronto breathing down their necks on 32 points. That means this game will be a massive match for both teams as they look to get back to where they were before. Luckily, Rise FC have the latest head-to-head advantage as they came away with a 5-1 road win over Rapid FC earlier last month. 

NEW & RETURNING ENERGY: Despite the difficult defeat vs. Tides FC, Rise FC fans got to see some great moments in the match, including a debut for Chantelle Swaby and a return for Jessika Cowart. After joining Rise FC a few weeks ago, Swaby had to wait to get up to speed before being able to make her debut, but now the Jamaican international looks raring to go after an impressive cameo off the bench. Similarly, Rise FC got to see the return of one of their defensive staples in Cowart, who suffered a collarbone injury on June 28 against AFC Toronto. After a couple months on the sideline, the Philippines international got a few minutes under her belt as she looks to get back to 100% ahead of the final six regular season games of the season.