Originally seen on Surrey Now-Leader

Vancouver Rise FC played against the Halifax Tides FC at the Wanderers Grounds in Halifax Saturday

The Vancouver Rise FC have clinched a spot in the Northern Super League playoffs after drawing with the Halifax Tides FC 1-1 on Saturday (Sept. 27). 

“Clinching a playoff spot in our first year is an important step in our journey,” said Interim Sporting Director Robyn Gayle. “Our focus now is on sharpening through the final three regular season matches to be primed for the playoffs and to deliver consistent performances that reflect the quality, commitment and relentless spirit of our players, staff & fans.” 

The Rise FC took on the Tide FC at the Wanderers Grounds in Halifax, holding possession 65 percent of the time and taking 23 shots, 11 of which were on goal, while the Tide took five, three of which were on goal. 

The Tide FC's Milly Clegg scored the first goal of the match at 15 minutes. 

"Rise FC kept that intense pressure up all the way until the half, with Jessica De Filippo having a glorious chance to equalize after a cross fell to her feet at the penalty spot, but her shot went over the crossbar. Nevertheless, Rise FC went into the break determined to find that levelling goal," noted a Rise FC press release. 

Rise FC's Holly Ward scored the tying goal in the 63rd minute. 

The Rise FC play again in Ottawa on Saturday, Oct. 8th, against Ottawa Rapid FC at 4:30 pm PT.

"With just three matches remaining in the regular season, Rise FC will now set their sights on finishing as high up in the table as they can come playoff time. Once their final position is solidified, the league will seed Rise FC into one of the two home-and-away semi-finals that are due to be played in the first two weeks of November. The format will see first place face fourth place and second place face third place, with the higher seeded team playing the away leg first and the home leg second," reads the press release. 

The top four teams in the league will play in the semifinals, with all four teams securing their spots: AFC Toronto, Montreal Roses, Ottawa Rapid and as of today, the Vancouver Rise FC. The final is scheduled for Nov. 15 at BMO Field in Toronto.  

Vancouver Rise are part of Canada's first professional women's soccer league, the Northern Super League. The other clubs are Calgary Wild FC, Halifax Tides FC, Montréal Roses, Ottawa Rapid FC and AFC Toronto.