VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Rise FC are building up to one of the most important matches of the season this weekend, as they host table rivals Halifax Tides FC on Saturday.

LATE GAME HEROICS…AGAIN!: Rise FC continued to show their never-give-up attitude this past weekend, as they rescued a well-deserved point against Calgary Wild FC at home. Rise FC came from behind twice in the match to split the honours, but it was a match where the draw was the least the home team deserved. Rise FC dominated the match, boasting 64% possession, completing twice the passes and out-shooting Wild FC 12 to 8. Nevertheless, Rise FC had to dig deep to find the result and it came thanks to the league’s joint top scorer Jessica De Filippo, who got on the end of a Camila Reyes cross in added time to keep Rise FC in fourth place as well as undefeated in three matches. 

HUGE MATCH IN THE TABLE: Rise FC currently sit in fourth place on 23 points, two points ahead of Halifax Tides FC who sit in fifth. Fittingly, it's Tides FC who Rise FC face this weekend, in a match that could have huge implications as the regular season edges closer to the finish line. Last time Tides FC came to Swangard, De Filippo came up clutch once again with a last-minute winner to close the gap on Tides FC in the table. Since then, Rise FC has leap-frogged Tides FC in the table and will look to widen the gap this weekend in this crucial six-pointer. Rise FC head coach Anja Heiner Møller acknowledged the stakes of the upcoming match on Saturday, stating, “We have known for a long time now that every single match and points are so important… So [we take it] one game at a time, and the Halifax game [next week] is a really important game for both of us.”

CAMILA REYES SHINES: Rise FC’s turn in form has been a huge effort from the whole team, but a few players have been especially stepping up in the last few weeks. One of those has been Colombian international Camila Reyes. The midfield maestro has three goal contributions in her last four games (1G/2A), including scoring on a penalty kick against league-leaders Ottawa Rapid FC in Rise FC’s massive 5-1 away from home on August 22. But the Colombian’s contribution goes beyond the goals, as she sits third overall in the league for chances created and seventh in passes completed amongst midfielders. Reyes has even stepped up as captain for the team in the match against Tides FC two weeks ago, showcasing her leadership ability and demonstrating why Rise FC will need the midfielder to continue this strong form into the closing stages of the regular season.