WHERE TO WATCH:    

BROADCAST: Watch on TSN or ESPN+ 

TICKETS: Available here.   

VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Rise FC (5W-5L-5D) continue it’s three-match road trip with a visit to the 6ix, in what is to be only the second-ever NSL regular season match at BMO Field against league leaders AFC Toronto (10W-5L-1D). 

FOUR AND COUNTING: Rise FC is on an unprecedented run, unbeaten in its last four matches since July 12. In that stretch, the team has scored 11 goals while conceding just four, keeping two clean sheets despite a rotating defensive line—showcasing its depth. One standout during this run is their Japanese new signing Yuka Okamoto, who has hit the ground running since joining late last month. Okamoto made her first start in Rise FC’s last match against Halifax Tides FC, helping secure a clean sheet with three tackles, one cross, and 54 passes in 90 minutes. 

Now, the challenge is to extend the streak as they face AFC Toronto again in a crucial match for momentum and standings. 

A CHANCE TO SHAKE THE TABLE: Sunday’s match will be Rise FC’s fourth meeting with AFC Toronto this season, with the record evenly split: one win apiece, one draw, and 10 goals scored by each side. Their last encounter on July 24 saw Rise FC pull off a 2-1 upset over the league leaders, thanks to two long-range strikes from Samantha Chang. The previous trip to Toronto in May featured plenty of drama, as a last-gasp equalizer from Jessica De Filippo  secured Rise FC a valuable road point. 

This time around, Rise FC aims to spoil the party once again, snatching points from the table-toppers as they solidify their playoff position. 

ACADEMY GEM SHINES BRIGHT: Last week, Rise FC Academy defender Bridget Mutipula made her professional debut at just 17 years old, becoming one of the youngest players to feature in the Northern Super League. The young center-back played 17 minutes against Tides FC, completing 17 passes and making two tackles—a strong first impression. 

Having already made headlines at the national level with Canada’s U17 and U20’s, Mutipula’s career is already rocketing, meaning that Rise FC may just have another hidden gem on their hands.