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It’s time for a rematch.
Vancouver Rise FC and AFC Toronto last met on Nov. 15, 2025, in the inaugural Northern Super League (NSL) final.
Rise FC clinched the title on AFC Toronto’s home field with a 2-1 come-from-behind win.
“It was a fantastic end to 2025, history-making for the team, for the club,” Rise FC sporting director Stephanie Labbé told CBC’s On The Coast.
“I’m so happy that a bunch of our fans were able to travel to that final championship game in Toronto and really celebrate there with the team.”
Vancouver Rise hoist the Diana B. Matheson Trophy after being crowned NSL Champions after defeating AFC Toronto 2-1.
Now, the NSL’s reigning champions will take the field at Swangard Stadium Friday against the team they beat to win the title.
“It’s a hard first game for us, but I think an exciting one,” Labbé said.
The team has dubbed Friday night’s rematch Champions Night — where they’ll hoist their championship banner for the home crowd.
Roster changes
While the team’s rosters have remained largely the same heading into this season, some key players have left for other opportunities.
Canadian national team star and Vancouver hometown hero Holly Ward left the Rise in March to join Seattle Reign FC of the NWSL, on a two-year contract.
Midfielder Lisa Pechersky left the team at the beginning of 2026 for Montreal Roses FC. She’ll be reunited with her Rise teammates when the teams face each other on May 2 in Montreal.
Also missing from the Rise lineup is Samantha Chang, who captained the team for the second half of last season. Chang signed with AFC Toronto, although she won’t be on the field Friday. The midfielder will miss the season after suffering an ACL injury in March.
Jasmyne Spencer, Kayla Goncalves, Sara Lilja, Rebecca Lake and Nedya Sawan have all also left the team for its second season.
In better news, defender Shannon Woeller returns to the field after spending half of last season recovering from an ACL injury. She’ll be co-captaining the squad, along with midfielder Quinn.
“I know they’re going to thrive being able to lead this team both on and off the pitch,” Labbé said.
‘Set the standard’
Heading into last season’s final, the Rise, who finished third in regular season standings, were considered underdogs against a Toronto squad that scored more goals than any other team last year.
Toronto, scored first and played a tough first half. Stormy weather forced a delay, giving both teams a chance to regroup.
In the second half, Vancouver came back to win it all, 2-1.
“The resilience in this team is just amazing,” Rise FC coach Anja Heiner-Moller said after the win.
As Rise FC works to defend its title, the team will also work to be better than ever, Labbé said.
“This team has set the standard for what they can achieve and what they can do,” she said.
“And so now, it’s about them taking the reins and continuing to grow, continuing to develop and make sure that we keep that standard and keep pushing for higher things each and every game.”
Rise fans also set the standard, as it were, for attendance, Labbé said.
This year, she hopes fans will continue to support the team both at Swangard Stadium and from afar.
“Get behind this team, continue to support because women’s sports is here to stay.”
On The Coast6:02Reigning champions Vancouver Rise play their season opener against AFC Toronto this week
Vancouver Rise FC will face AFC Toronto in their opening match of the Northern Super League’s second season. Rise FC sporting director Stephanie Labbé speaks to Gloria about the reigning NSL champs.
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