Another big week, and it was a critical weekend where the Montreal Roses cemented their position in the play-offs, while the Calgary Wild were fighting to avoid elimination. Three intense games took place, and here is how everything shook out.

Halifax Tides 1-1 AFC Toronto

A game the Halifax Tides really needed to win, while AFC Toronto were in a comfortable spot, turned sour for both teams.

Proving that the home ground curse is alive and well, Halifax Tides goalkeeper Anika Tóth suffered an excruciating own goal following a corner kick from AFC Toronto just one minute into the first half, putting the score at 0-1.

She recovered to save an attempt in the 11th minute. The Halifax Tides fought to level the field, with Nakamura unleashing a long shot that went over AFC Toronto's goal, and then again moving into space to take another effort barely stopped by AFC Toronto's D'Angelo. The tempo picked up with both teams pushing for the next score, but the first half closed at 0-1.

In the second half, AFC Toronto replaced regular Cloey Uddenberg with new addition Zoey Hasenauer, whose career has included spells with the Oregon Ducks, Odense Boldklub Q, FC Köln, and now AFC Toronto. Julianne Vallerand also looked to create an opportunity to put S. Miller into play, keeping Anika Tóth on her toes. It was Vallerand's tenacity that brought Halifax back into the game, as she took advantage of Karima Lemire's corner kick and headed the ball past Tóth to make it 1-1.

From there, it was a tough battle as both teams looked to break the other's defensive lines for that critical second goal, but it wasn't to be. The game ended 1-1, with neither team getting the win they needed.

Vancouver Rise 2-2 Montreal Roses

The Vancouver Rise facing the Montreal Roses was always going to be a frenetic game, as the Rise needed a win to move into the final play-off spot. At the same time, the Roses were already guaranteed a berth but wanted to cement their position in the standings.

The Roses pressured Vancouver Rise's goal in the first half, playing wide and creating opportunities whenever possible. The Rise had a series of close calls, including one where a foul brought down Jessica Wulf and Marie-Yasmine Alidou took the chance to shoot, only for the goal to be ruled out because Wulf had been unable to defend her goal.

The referee's decisions also drew a reaction from the crowd, including a moment when Abdu was knocked down by Lucy Cappadona with no whistle blown. The crowd voiced its displeasure with boos, which did not appear to sway the referee. That physicality continued until halftime, with the whistle blown at 0-0.

In the second half, the scrappy play continued, with Mia Pante conceding a foul and giving the Montreal Roses possession. The second half, however, was all about goals. The 0-0 stalemate was broken by Lisa Pechersky in the 67th minute, only to be levelled by Jessica De Filippo in the 83rd minute. Tied again, both teams pushed for a winner, and the game ran into stoppage time. Tori Tumeth scored in the 92nd minute, only to be followed immediately by Evelyn Badu in the 93rd.

An explosively anticlimactic finish to a tough game, with the Vancouver Rise managing to edge into the final four on grit and fortune.

Ottawa Rapid 3-1 Calgary Wild

Ottawa Rapid FC were in definite need of a win last weekend, having slipped from second place into third in the standings, and were up against the Calgary Wild — a side who have been absolutely menacing to other teams' ambitions, but who were facing play-off elimination.

From the start, Ottawa had several changes due to international call-ups and injuries, with Min-A Lee, Ngozi Okobi-Oke, Susanna Haaland, and Mollie Eriksson all stepping in. Meanwhile, Calgary Wild's Teagan Stewart was starting once again, and Madison Pogarch was added to the back line.

Ngozi Okobi-Oke came out with a stunning opener in her first game, scoring early in the third minute to put Ottawa ahead 1-0. On the Calgary Wild's side, Jorian Baucom was working hard both offensively and defensively to level the field, but just could not get the shot in. This became the theme for the first half, as Ottawa's early lead was followed by a goal from Johanne Fridlund to make it 2-0. After some tough back and forth, the half closed out 2-0.

In the second half, the Calgary Wild were eager to get on the scoresheet with the threat of elimination looming. They were able to restore hope with a goal from Frédérique St-Jean, but that hope was short-lived as Ottawa responded swiftly, with Okobi-Oke scoring her second of the night to make it 3-1. While the Wild put everything they had into the game, they never clawed back that ground, and a victorious Ottawa Rapid FC moved back into second place.

Up next

Saturday, September 26, 2026 — AFC Toronto vs Ottawa Rapid FC at York Lions Stadium

The second- and third-place teams in the league battle it out this Saturday to see who will stay on the Montreal Roses' heels. It will be winner-take-all in this matchup.

Sunday, September 27, 2026 — Halifax Tides vs Montreal Roses at Wanderers Grounds

The Halifax Tides have the most to lose in this matchup, while the Montreal Roses will be working to maintain their place as league leaders.

Sunday, September 27, 2026 — Calgary Wild vs Vancouver Rise at McMahon Stadium

The Calgary Wild have been knocked out of the finals, but they still have the chance to be a deciding factor in who advances — will they keep the Halifax Tides from rising?

Remember to check TrueNorthFoot for game analysis and recaps.