WHERE TO WATCH:        

BROADCAST: Watch on TSN or ESPN+.

VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Rise FC are heading into a crucial matchup against AFC Toronto, battling both for points in the Northern Super League (NSL) table and a place in the semi-final of the W Canadian Championship. 

HISTORY TO BE MADE: Sunday will be the first ever W Canadian Championship match for both AFC Toronto and Rise FC, as they battle in the final quarterfinal match up of the inaugural tournament. Doubling as a league match as well, the result of the standard 90 minutes will be counted towards the NSL table. But, should the score be tied after regulation time, the match will go to extra-time and potentially penalties if required. The winner of the match, either after 90 minutes or in extra-time/penalties, will move on to the semi-finals of the W Canadian Championship, to be played in the spring of 2027. Should Rise FC go all the way and win the first-ever tournament, they will earn the right to play in the 2027 Concacaf W Champions Cup, with a chance to then play in the 2028 FIFA Women’s Club World Cup. 

RACE TO THE FINISH: While Rise FC will have one eye on the W Canadian Championship implication of Sunday’s match, the league aspect to it is just as important. Rise FC currently are just one point ahead of Halifax Tides FC in fourth, meaning that any slip up will allow the Atlantic coast team the opportunity to jump up in the standings. Despite Tides FC playing later today, Rise FC will be deadset on taking all three points on Sunday, keeping their place in the standings and earning their place in the next round of the W Canadian Championship. 

REPEATING THE RESULT: Fans will know that Rise FC and AFC Toronto have been cultivating a fierce rivalry since last year’s NSL Final in Toronto. In the 10 matches between the two sides, Rise FC edge out their Eastern rivals with five wins to Toronto’s four, with only one draw between them. That deciding game for Rise FC happened the last time these two sides met back in July, with Rise FC scoring three goals inside the first 11 minutes to defeat Toronto in their own backyard at York Lions Stadium. Rise FC fans will be hoping the team can repeat that result on Sunday, knowing that there is plenty on the line in this match.