Vancouver Rise FC defeat AFC Toronto 2–1 to clinch inaugural NSL title

The GIST: No. 3 seed Vancouver Rise FC are your inaugural Northern Super League (NSL) champs, hoisting the Diana B. Matheson Cup on Saturday after launching a weather-delayed 2–1 comeback over top-seeded AFC Toronto. Here’s how the West Coast secured the win, plus how the debut league is shaping the future of Canadian women’s soccer.

💪 Vancouver overcome early deficit to claim the crown: The match began as expected for heavy favorite Toronto, with teen phenom Kaylee Hunter scoring the opening goal in the 20th minute.

• But following a clutch defensive save, an attack-minded Vancouver side emerged in the second half, capitalizing on a Toronto own goal before forward Holly Ward sealed the deal in the 68th minute. History, made.

👀 Canadian government awards NSL $5.45M to support the growth of the league: The celly-worthy news came just ahead of Saturday’s kickoff, and the funding will be used to “deliver transformative upgrades” for NSL facilities across the country — perfect timing, with the six-team league expanding to seven squads in 2027. Just the beginning.