Vancouver Rise FC had Ottawa Rapid FC on the back foot early, but could not turn an electric start into a result. Despite racing into a two-goal lead, Rise fell 5-2 in the nation’s capital on Sunday, leaving their playoff hopes to be decided on the final day of the regular season.
The defeat exposed a growing problem for Vancouver. Their attacking play continues to create chances and trouble opponents, but defensive lapses are making it difficult to turn that threat into points or hold on to their lead. Against Ottawa, a two-goal advantage disappeared before the final whistle, with five goals conceded highlighting the cost of losing control at the back.
Rise needed less than a minute to threaten. Jessica De Filippo pressed Ottawa goalkeeper Melissa Dagenais into a rushed clearance and redirected the ball towards goal, only for it to loop narrowly over the crossbar.
Vancouver maintained that intensity, pressing high and forcing Ottawa into uncomfortable situations. Their early pressure paid off in the 16th minute when Mia Pante delivered a free-kick from deep. After Ottawa failed to clear the danger, Anna Bout met the loose ball with a first-time volley, lifting it into the top corner for her fourth goal of the season.
The visitors doubled their advantage just a minute later. Alex Lamontagne sent a dangerous ball in behind Ottawa’s defence, where Latifah Abdu battled past her marker before unleashing a powerful volley from just outside the box. The finish gave Dagenais little chance and put Vancouver firmly in control at 2-0.
For a brief spell, Rise looked capable of a well-deserved win. Their pressing was aggressive, and everything seemed to click.
Ottawa, however, were already finding their own opportunities. Jessica Wulf made an important save to deny D.B. Pridham from a tight angle before Min-A Lee struck the rebound off the crossbar. Wulf was called into action again shortly afterwards, pushing away Lee’s header before it could reach Melanie Forbes at the back post.
Those moments offered an early warning that Vancouver’s lead was not as comfortable as the scoreline suggested.
In the 27th minute, Pridham pulled one back (because who else would it have been for Ottawa?), squeezing a shot past Wulf from near the edge of the box. The goal gave Ottawa a route back into the contest and shifted the pressure onto a Rise defence that was struggling to keep the hosts at a distance.
Vancouver still carried a threat going forward. Pante drove into the box and attempted to cut the ball back for a teammate, but her delivery was deflected into Dagenais’ hands. De Filippo then came close twice before the break. First, she met Josie Longhurst’s pass with a half-volley that drifted narrowly wide. Minutes later, Pante slipped her through, but Dagenais got just enough on the shot to divert it onto the post.
Rise entered half-time ahead 2-1, having created enough chances to extend their lead. Yet Ottawa remained within reach, and Vancouver had not found a way to shut down the danger at the other end.
The second half began with more of the same from Rise in attack. Pante immediately threatened to create further openings after breaking into the penalty area, but Ottawa recovered to clear the danger.
The breakthrough came at the other end in the 53rd minute. Florence Belzile reacted quickest to a rebound and turned it home to level the match at 2-2.
Pante nearly restored Vancouver’s lead in the 67th minute, cutting inside from the right and curling an effort just beyond the far post. But the decisive moment arrived seconds later, when Belzile scored again to put Ottawa ahead 3-2.
The quick turnaround exposed the difference between the two sides. Vancouver continued to look dangerous whenever they moved forward, but their defensive structure could not withstand Ottawa’s response. After conceding the equaliser, Rise were unable to regain control, and Belzile’s second goal left them chasing the game.
Vancouver pushed for another equalizer as the clock ticked down, but Ottawa punished them again in the 87th minute before adding a fifth through Pridham in stoppage time.
The final score was harsh on a Rise side that had started with such conviction, but it also reflected a problem they could no longer ignore. Their forwards are creating opportunities, finding space and producing quality finishes. The issue is that those attacking strengths are being undermined by lapses in defensive organization, particularly when opponents sustain pressure or react quickly to second balls.
Conceding five goals after leading 2-0 is not simply a matter of the attack failing to score enough. It points to a need for greater cohesion across the defensive line, better protection around the penalty area and a more composed response when momentum swings against them. Vancouver's high press can disrupt opponents, but it also requires the players behind the ball to remain connected and prepared for the spaces left open.
With the regular season nearing its conclusion, Rise have little time to address those weaknesses.
Their final match comes at Swangard Stadium on October 25, when they host Calgary Wild FC in the Fan Appreciation Match. Vancouver will have the opportunity to secure the fourth and final playoff place in front of their home supporters, with kick-off scheduled for 1 p.m. PT.
The attacking quality is there. Now Rise must find the defensive stability to match it.
