WHERE TO WATCH:         

BROADCAST: Watch on TSN or ESPN+    
TICKETS: Available here.        

VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver Rise FC begin their title defense on Friday, as they battle it out against 2025 Northern Super League (NSL) Shield winners AFC Toronto at Swangard Stadium in a repeat of last year’s NSL Final.  

A BREWING RIVALRY: Despite the league only being a year old, Rise FC and AFC Toronto have already established themselves as fierce rivals. From their first match when Jessica De Filippo scored a last minute equalizer in Toronto, both teams have shared some thrilling matches across the regular season, including short-handed victories, red cards and high scores. That intensity culminated when both sides sealed their ticket to the first-ever NSL Final, where even the weather added to the drama of the evening with a lightning delay. However, it was Rise FC who came out on top in the end, defeating Toronto 2-1 in an extraordinary comeback victory to become the inaugural NSL Champions. Now, Toronto will no doubt be looking for some redemption when they travel to Swangard, meaning Rise FC will need to channel that championship mentality to start the season strong.  

CHAMPIONS CELEBRATED: Friday evening’s match will not only be looking ahead to the new season, but also celebrating the past as Rise FC come back to Swangard Stadium for the first time as the reigning NSL Champions. There will be a pre-match ceremony celebrating last year’s title-winning side, including a championship banner unveiling and appearances from NSL President Christina Litz and Rise FC Sporting Director Stephanie Labbé. Fans will be able to take photos with the Diana B. Matheson trophy out on the concourse, make bracelets and get their face painted in the Fan Zone, and get some sweet eats from the collection of food trucks, including a “Gold Medal Malt Crunch” ice cream flavour from Crema Ice Cream! But tickets are selling out fast, so fans should book their spot before it’s too late to see the champions return! Tickets are available to buy at vanrisefc.com/regular-season-single-match-tickets

GOING FOR THE DOUBLE: Rise FC made history last year winning the NSL Championship against AFC Toronto in the final, which also stopped the Ontario side from becoming the first team to win the double of the NSL Shield and the Championship. Now in their second year, Rise FC are hungrier than ever and will be targeting that double for themselves. Last season, Rise FC had the best home record in the regular season, proving that when Rise FC are in front of their own fans, few can best them. Now it’s all about replicating that home form and taking it on the road so that come the end of the season, they can claim their first ever NSL Shield and head into the NSL Playoffs with the home field advantage!