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VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Rise FC are looking for some redemption on Saturday, as they face AFC Toronto at Swangard Stadium once again this season.   

SWEET, SWEET VICTORY: Rise FC have gotten themselves on the board after a gritty 2-1 road win over Halifax Tides FC. The team had to dig deep for the result at a rowdy Wanderers Grounds, but a great team move goal finished off by Jessica De Filippo in the 37th minute got Rise FC underway. Jordyn Rhodes managed to equalize halfway through the second half, but it only took two minutes for Rise FC to retake the lead after Tori Tumeth was brought down in the box, giving way for Quinn to step up and score the winner. The team then stuck together to hold on after Tides FC kept pushing for the equalizer, but some steadfast defense and brave goalkeeping from debutant Jessica Wulf made sure that Rise FC were able to take all three points back to Swangard ahead of Saturday’s match. 

LOOKING FOR REDEMPTION: It will be a familiar look for fans on Saturday afternoon, as Rise FC will have a repeat of their opening game by battling AFC Toronto at Swangard Stadium. In that thrilling match, Rise FC were able to turn around an early 1-0 deficit to lead 2-1 at the break, thanks to a rocket debut goal from Camila Reyes and an impressive solo goal from Latifah Abdu. However, AFC were able to flip the script once more as they scored two second-half goals, ultimately edging Rise FC to the victory. Saturday now gives Rise FC a chance for a redo, and with a hard-fought win under their belt, they’ll be liking their odds for getting one over Toronto in front of their home crowd. 

HOMEGROWN DEBUT: Another debut that came from Monday’s match against Tides FC was that of 23-year-old Mia Pante. The North Vancouver native made her long-awaited return to Canadian soccer after coming on for Yuka Okamoto at half-time, and immediately made herself known. The Rise FC Academy graduate brought plenty of physicality and energy down the left, showcasing exactly why many fans were excited to see her join Rise FC. The versatile player now has the opportunity to make her home debut this Saturday against AFC Toronto, and there is no better place to make your mark than in front of what is sure to be an electric Swangard crowd.