PLAYOFFS IN HAND: Rise FC are going into this penultimate matchday with their playoff destiny in their hands. With Halifax Tides FC facing Montreal Roses FC the day before, should Tides FC lose against Roses FC, Rise FC would have the chance to clinch the fourth and final playoff spot with a victory of Ottawa Rapid FC. A Tides FC loss and a Rise FC victory would put Rise FC four points over Tides FC heading into the last matchday, making them uncatchable. The opportunity is there, with two important weeks to prepare. 

BACK TO THE CAPITAL: This crucial matchup pits Rise FC against Ottawa Rapid FC, who have already qualified for the playoffs. The capital side is still fighting for the NSL Shield, sitting just four points behind Roses FC in third. However, their recent form has seen them win just one match in their last nine. Rise FC haven’t made it easy for Rapid FC either, with the reigning NSL Champions outscoring Rapid FC nine to one in their last two games alone. With both sides playing for all important points in these closing stages, who knows who will edge the tie, but history shows that it will prove to be an entertaining and high-scoring affair. 

ABDU HEATING UP: One player who is finding her form in these last few games is Canadian forward Latifah Abdu. Scoring two goals in her last four games, Abdu is becoming an even greater headache for defenders, as the physical and gritty attacker scored last week against AFC Toronto to secure a valuable point in the playoff race. With just two more games to go, Rise FC will need Abdu to keep her form up and carve out even more chances as they look to clinch their spot in the playoffs and defend their NSL crown back in Ottawa in November.