SoccerVancouver Rise FC defeated Calgary Wild FC 1-0 in the Northern Super League’s inaugural match on Wednesday. Canadian women’s national team midfielder Quinn entered lore by converting a penalty kick in the 22nd minute, scoring the first goal in league history.Canadian midfielder converts 22nd-minute penalty; nearly 15,000 attend league openerGemma Karstens-Smith · The Canadian Press · Posted: Apr 16, 2025 2:53 PM EDT | Last Updated: 41 minutes agoVancouver Rise FC midfielder Quinn celebrates their goal during a 1-0 win over Calgary Wild FC at BC Place on Wednesday. (Ethan Cairns/The Canadian Press)The Vancouver Rise have the first-ever win in Northern Super League history, beating the Calgary Wild 1-0 on Wednesday.The Rise (1-0-0) controlled play across much of the match, outshooting the Wild (0-1-0) by a margin of 9-7 with a 4-0 edge in on-target shots.An announced crowd of 14,018 — many clad in teal and black Vancouver Rise scarves — took in the game at B.C. Place.WATCH | Rise FC’s Quinn scores first goal in NSL history:Quinn leads Vancouver Rise FC over Calgary Wild FC in inaugural NSL matchVancouver Rise FC defeats Calgary Wild FC 1-0 as midfielder Quinn scores on a penalty in the 22nd minute for the first goal in NSL history.Wednesday’s pre-game ceremonies included appearances by NSL co-founder Diana Matheson and Canadian soccer legend Christine Sinclair, who is a part-owner of the Rise.The league’s first week of play will continue Saturday when AFC Toronto hosts the Montreal Roses at BMO Field.Vancouver created much of the offence across the first half, including a prime chance in the 14th minute when Lisa Perchersky unleashed a blast from above the 18-yard box, only to see Calgary goalkeeper Stephanie Bukovec deftly punch the shot away.Quinn stepped up and sent a right-footed shot flying into the net for the first goal in NSL history.Calgary controlled 51 per cent of possession across the first half, but Vancouver outshot the visitors 5-3 and held a 3-0 edge in on-target shots.WATCH | Sinclair on NSL’s momentous kick-off:Christine Sinclair says ‘exciting times for women’s soccer’ in Canada as Northern Super League kicks offCanadian soccer legend and co-owner of Vancouver Rise FC joins Andi Petrillo to discuss the NSL’s momentous kick-off. Check out the full interview on the web.One of the Wild’s best chance of the night came in the 75th minute when Kahli Johnson sliced a pass into the penalty area, looking for Danielle Steer. Vancouver ‘keeper Morgan McAslan dropped on to the ball before the Calgary forward could get a foot on it.Vancouver came close to doubling its lead in the 83rd minute when Ward raced up the field with the ball and fired a right-footed shot from the edge of the penalty area. Bukovec dove sideways to make a stop.Calgary came close once again in second-half stoppage time when Serita Thurton curled a corner kick into heavy traffic in the eight-yard box. McAslan jumped up and grabbed the ball to prevent the goal.The Wild will return to play April 26 when they visit the Halifax Tides. The Rise will host the Roses on April 27.
Quinn’s landmark goal helps Vancouver Rise top Calgary Wild in Northern Super League’s inaugural match
