Canadian midfielder Quinn, a Tokyo Olympic gold medallist, added another milestone to their career by scoring the first-ever goal in the Northern Super League, securing a 1-0 victory for Vancouver Rise over Calgary Wild. The moment came via a penalty kick in the 22nd minute in front of a crowd of 14,018 at B.C. Place.
For Quinn, the significance of launching Canada’s first women’s professional soccer league hit harder than expected. Seeing league co-founder Diana Matheson and team co-owner Christine Sinclair on the field before kickoff reminded them of the decades-long effort to reach this historic day.
The atmosphere was electric, with pregame celebrations that included fireworks, flags, and young fans in team jerseys. Rise head coach Anja Heiner-Moller praised the support and energy, calling it a strong start for the league.
While Vancouver dominated with 11 shots to Calgary’s eight, it was Quinn’s clinical penalty after a foul on Holly Ward that sealed the win. The Wild pressed late in the game but couldn’t find an equalizer, as Vancouver goalkeeper Morgan McAslan made key saves.
Both sides acknowledged the nerves and the significance of the match. Calgary’s goalkeeper Stephanie Bukovec called it a surreal experience to finally play pro soccer on home soil. Rise players and staff emphasized there’s still much to improve on, but the match marked an exciting beginning.
The NSL continues Saturday with AFC Toronto hosting the Montreal Roses, while Vancouver hosts the Roses on April 27 and Calgary travels to Halifax on April 26.
Source: Swifteradio.com
