The NSL's fiercest rivalry resumes on Sunday as Vancouver Rise FC welcomes AFC Toronto to Swangard Stadium.

Separated by just one point in the standings, the two clubs meet for the third time this season. Vancouver currently holds the edge after each side claimed a victory in their previous meetings, while Toronto arrives unbeaten in its last three matches and eager to build on its recent form.

Despite collecting only two points from their last two outings, the Rise have shown encouraging signs. Anja Heiner-Møller's side created numerous opportunities against Ottawa before settling for a draw and were moments away from claiming all three points against Halifax Tides FC before conceding a late equalizer.

Defender Tori Tumeth believes the attacking chemistry continues to improve.

"We are creating chances, so we do have that chemistry and we're still building that chemistry," she said. "There's probably a few missing pieces that we still need to put together, but so far so good."

If Vancouver can convert those opportunities into goals on Sunday, they will have a chance to secure their fourth victory of the campaign while strengthening their position in the playoff race.

Toronto, meanwhile, heads west full of confidence after a 1-1 draw against Ottawa in which it dominated the attacking statistics, registering 21 shots and seven on target.

Head coach Marko Milanović was pleased with his team's ability to create chances, even if the finishing still needs refinement.

"Creating chances was obviously the biggest positive in that game," Milanović said. "We have to be sharper with our final actions, but we're quite pleased with how much we're creating. If we continue to do that, the goals will come."

The visitors also have unfinished business after contrasting performances against Vancouver earlier this season.

"The first two games were very different," Milanović said. "I thought we played quite well in the first one, and then the second one was probably our worst performance of the season. I'm really looking forward to playing Vancouver again because I know we're going to play better."

Rise FC currently lead the all-time series 4-3 after earning a 2-1 victory over Toronto in their previous meeting at Swangard. Vancouver will now look to win consecutive matches against AFC Toronto for the first time this season.

With several roster changes since last year, Vancouver has seen new contributors emerge throughout the campaign.

Josie Longhurst scored her first professional goal earlier this season, Jamie Perrault recorded her first assist, and midfielder Anaïs Oularbi opened her professional account against Halifax with a goal in just her second start.

"I'm just grateful," Oularbi said after the match. "Everyone that steps onto the pitch wants to perform well and put the team first, so I'm glad I'm here to do this with the best people around me."

Toronto have also found goals from across the squad, but few players have enjoyed a better run of form than Lauren Rowe.

Stepping into a larger role following Esther Okoronkwo's injury, the 21-year-old striker has scored three goals in her last three appearances, already surpassing last season's total.

Milanović has welcomed the balanced scoring throughout his squad.

"We always love to see multiple goalscorers," he said. "It takes the pressure off one or two players. Lauren has already started scoring, and we know Kaylee Hunter will score more as well."

While Toronto's attack continues to develop, its defence has been among the league's best, conceding just seven goals through seven matches.

The returns of Kaela Hansen and Croix Soto from injury give Milanović additional selection options, although reintegrating them into an already well-organized back line presents a welcome challenge.

With Vancouver looking to turn strong performances into victories and Toronto carrying momentum from a three-match unbeaten run, Sunday's contest promises another competitive chapter in one of the NSL's emerging rivalries.

The winner could take an important step up the table, but perhaps more importantly, gain another psychological edge in a matchup that has already become one of the league's most compelling fixtures.