An important game awaits at Swangard Stadium on Saturday evening, with the Vancouver Rise hosting the Halifax Tides in a clash that could break the playoff race wide open if the hosts claim all three points.
Here's everything you need to know heading into tomorrow's game.
How the Vancouver Rise come into the match
It's been a rough stretch for the Vancouver Rise, as they have lost their previous three matches, which has ultimately kicked them out of the top four in the Northern Super League standings, as they sit five points behind the visiting Halifax with ten games left.
In their most recent outing, they handed the Calgary Wild their first win of the season in a 3-2 win for the Albertan-based side.
As the NSL season enters the business end of the season, it's very important that the Vancouver Rise start getting their form up, and with six out of their final ten games at home, the Rise need to take advantage of their home crowd.
How the Halifax Tides come into the match
While the hosts have lost their last three games, the Tides have been enduring a much better run of form, as they've won two of their previous three games, while grabbing a regulation-time draw in their W Canadian Championship match against the Ottawa Rapid to go five points clear of Vancouver.
In their most recent game, the Tides shook the league with a 1-0 win against the Montréal Roses at the Stade Boréale after a penalty stop from Anika Tóth on Elyse Bennett was followed up by a Julia Benati strike 15 minutes later in the first half.
The Tides should feel good heading into this one, as they've bounced back from a horror first season with a more relaxing second season that could end with a playoff spot secured.
Head-to-head
The last meeting between these two sides was pretty recent, as an own goal from Jessica De Filippo secured a 1-0 win for the Halifax Tides at Swangard Stadium.
That's Halifax's only win against Vancouver in the eight meetings between these sides, as the Rise have won four and the remaining three have ended in ties.
In the three games at Swangard, there has always been a winner after 90 minutes, so will that trend continue tomorrow evening?
Players to Watch
After missing most of July, Latifah Abdu has already made Vancouver's attack look better in these last two games, recording a goal against the Montréal Roses before setting up the first of two goals from Jessica De Filippo last week against the Calgary Wild. While her goal tally isn't the same as last season at this point, Abdu has surpassed her assist tally from last season, as she's also missed some games due to injury, which explains the drop in goals. The 24-year-old is slowly starting to return to her best form, and that should be a warning shot to the Tides despite the poor form from Vancouver, as one win could change their season.
The experience of 29-year-old midfielder Julia Benati has been helpful for this Halifax Tides season, as she grabbed her third goal of the season in that 1-0 win over the Roses. After arriving from the Ottawa Rapid in the offseason, Benati has been an important piece for Katie Barrott's side, starting seven of her twelve appearances this season. She will likely be involved as a starter tomorrow night, so can she play a crucial role for the Tides?
Availability
For the Rise, Jessika Cowart, Shannon Woeller, and Ariel Young will remain out due to their long-term injuries, while both Mia Pante and Quinn are in doubt heading into this game. Tori Tumeth is out with a suspension after her red card against the Calgary Wild. New signings Chantelle Swaby and Kaela Hansen should be available for selection, barring any injuries. Hansen is a candidate to start after arriving from the Vancouver Rise, but she hasn't started any games this season, so it's more likely she will be slowly integrated into the side from the bench.
For the Tides, they will be without Saorla Miller, Megumi Nakamura, and Sarah Taylor due to injuries. Loan signing Kirstin Tynan won't be available against her parent club, as she needs to take her medicals. Anika Tóth will likely start following Rylee Foster-Inman's transfer to Everton FC Women.
Projected XIs
Vancouver Rise (3-4-3): Morgan McAslan; Myla Ewasiuk, Sura Yekka, Jaylyn Wright; Yuka Okamoto, Camila Reyes, Nikki Stanton (c), Anna Bout; Maithé López, Latifah Abdu, Jessica De Filippo
Halifax Tides (4-2-3-1): Anika Tóth; Sheyenne Allen, Annika Leslie, Addison Weichers, Julianne Vallerand; Karima Lemire, Cho So-Hyun (c); Sydney Kennedy, Julia Benati, Stella Downing; Jordyn Rhodes
Game information and how to watch
📆 Saturday, August 15, 2026
⏰ 6:30 pm PT / 10:30 pm AT
📺 TSN5, ESPN+ (USA)
🧑⚖️ Carly Shaw-MacLaren
🏟 Swangard Stadium, Burnaby, Canada
