Mia Pante shines in Vancouver Rise win over Calgary Wild to keep playoff hopes alive

Vancouver Rise have given themselves a real chance of securing a playoff spot after beating Calgary Wild 3-2 at Swangard Stadium on Sunday. With their last game of regular season, the Rise delivered when needed, with Mia Pante scoring a brace and Jessica DeFilippo providing the final goal to secure the home win.

A performance worth matching

Vancouver wasted little time getting on the scoresheet. Pante picked up a ball near the middle of the pitch and drove forward down the left. She used her pace to get past Calgary’s defenders before cutting inside and sending a low shot past the goalkeeper.

Calgary struggled to contain her as the first half continued. Pante’s speed gave Vancouver an outlet whenever they looked to move forward, and she came close to scoring again before eventually finding the back of the net for a second time.

In the 35th minute, Alex Lamontagne spotted her run and played a perfectly timed pass behind the Calgary backline. Pante raced through, got around the goalkeeper, and calmly finished into the empty net to make it 2-0.

Calgary managed to respond before the break, with Josie Aulicino scoring from outside the box to shorten Vancouver’s lead to 2-1.

Rise hold on for the win

DeFilippo entered the match after halftime and almost made an impact, sending a header against the crossbar. In the 53rd minute, a promising attack down the right ended with Anna Bout cutting the ball back into the box for DeFilippo, who finished to give Vancouver a 3-1 lead.

The Rise appeared to have some breathing room, but Calgary continued to fight. Jorian Baucom pulled another goal back in the 69th minute from a rebound off the crossbar, making it 3-2 and setting up a tense final stretch.

With Calgary pushing for an equalizer, the Rise had to focus on protecting their advantage. Captain Shannon Woeller came off the bench in the 88th minute for her first appearance of the season, helping the team through the final minutes.

Although not easy, Vancouver managed to secure three important points. It was a hard-fought win, and one that could make all the difference in the playoff race.

The playoff picture

The result moves Vancouver into fourth place, three points ahead of Halifax Tides with the regular season now complete for the Rise. Halifax still have one match remaining against AFC Toronto on Monday.

A draw or loss for Halifax would confirm Vancouver’s place in the playoffs. However, a Halifax win would move them ahead of Vancouver and take away the Rise from playoff contention.

A player worth keeping

Pante has been an important attacking option for Vancouver throughout the season, bringing her pace and ability to create important opportunities for the team. Her performance against Calgary was just another reminder of what she offers, but her value to the Rise goes beyond one match.

Currently on a season-loan from AS Roma, her future with Vancouver remains uncertain beyond this campaign. Given the impact she has made throughout the season, keeping her for next year should be a priority for a Rise side looking to maintain its attacking strength.

All eyes on Halifax

With a place in the semifinals within reach, the Rise will be watching closely tomorrow. If Vancouver stays in fourth place, they would be hosting the first leg of the semifinals at Swangard, giving them the opportunity to continue their season alongside their home crowd.

** You can find all of Tom and Caitlyn’s photos from the match on AFTN Flickr page HERE **