Vancouver Rise earn dramatic 2-1 late victory over Halifax Tides

Vancouver Rise Finally found the breakthrough they had been searching for.

Entering the match on a three-game losing streak, Vancouver Rise desperately needed a result. In front of their home crowd, Vancouver delivered one of their most important performances of the season, coming from behind to defeat Halifax 2-1 thanks to a dramatic stoppage-time winner from Jessica De Filippo.

The striker scored twice, including the decisive goal in added time, as Vancouver completed a comeback victory that could prove significant in the race for a playoff spot.

The victory moves the club within three points of Halifax and provides a much needed boost after several weeks of narrow losses.

Halifax capitalizes despite strong Vancouver start

The Rise showed attacking intent from the opening whistle. Just two minutes into the match, De Filippo nearly gave Vancouver an early lead, but her effort drifted wide of the post.

While Vancouver looked dangerous going forward, Halifax gradually found opportunities of their own. Goalkeeper Morgan McAslan was called into action in the 16th minute and produced an outstanding save to keep the match scoreless.

The breakthrough came two minutes later. A well-timed interception allowed Halifax to launch a counterattack, and Jordyn Rhodes finished the move to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.

Despite falling behind, Vancouver continued to push forward. The Rise created several promising attacking sequences but struggled to break through Halifax’s organized defensive structure.

Vancouver’s best opportunity of the half came in the 27th minute from Anaïs Oularbi, forcing Halifax goalkeeper Anika Toth into her first save as Vancouver searched for an equalizer.

Rise responds after the break

Vancouver came out of halftime determined to find a way back into the match, and their persistence paid off in the 57th minute. Anna Bout provided the assist, sending the ball into the box for De Filippo, who rose to meet it with a header and bring the Rise level at 1-1.

With the match tied, the Rise continued pushing forward in search of a winner. Halifax remained dangerous on the counterattack, but Vancouver controlled more of the play and looked increasingly likely to find a second goal.

The Rise came close in the 82nd minute when Latifah Abdu forced another strong save from Toth with powerful strike from distance.

Only two minutes later, De Filippo nearly completed her brace, but her header rattled the crossbar and stayed out.

Late drama delivers crucial points

Vancouver’s persistence was finally rewarded in stoppage time.

Abdu delivered a perfectly weighted pass into the penalty area, and De Filippo skillfully found the back of the net to complete her brace and send Swangard Stadium into cheers.

The goal secured De Filippo’s second consecutive brace and moved her into first place in the league’s Golden Boot race.

Halifax nearly spoiled the celebrations moments later when a late effort struck the crossbar, but Vancouver held on to secure all three points.

Important result in playoff rice

The victory represents more than just the end of a losing streak. After several matches in which Vancouver came close to securing a win, the Rise finally saw their efforts rewarded.

The night also provided some positive signs beyond the result. Sixteen-year-old academy defender Myla Ewasiuk earned a start and played the full match, putting together an impressive performance with several important blocks and clearances.

New signing Kaela Hansen also made her debut for the Rise, providing another option for a Vancouver backline that has remained a concern throughout the season.

Post-match reflections

For head coach Anja Heiner-Mœller, the result was a reward for a team that has continued to fight despite its recent struggles.

“We’ve been so close for so many games, we’ve been close for a while and it’s really nice that this time it was us,” Heiner-Mœller said.

With 9 games remaining, there is plenty of time for Vancouver to build on the result. Heiner-Mœller hopes the victory can become a key moment in the season for the team, saying, “This needs to be a turning point for us. We’re looking forward to the next game already.”

De Filippo’s two goals also moved her into first place among the league’s top scorers this season. With nine goals, the striker has already surpassed her tally from last season, when she finished with eight goals, marking a new personal best with the season still underway.

Despite the milestone, De Filippo said she is “not thinking about it,” making it clear that individual achievements are secondary to the team’s need for points.

“Honestly, this team is needing points. That’s at the forefront of all our minds,” she said.

She also acknowledged that the performance was not perfect but said she was proud of how the team responded.

“We keep pushing, we keep going forward.” De Filippo said.

Whether this becomes the turning point Vancouver has been searching for remains to be seen, but for the first time in weeks, the Rise have momentum and a reason to look ahead with confidence to battle for a playoff position.