Latifah Abdu and Jessica De Filippo each found the net as Vancouver Rise FC secured a 2-0 victory against Ottawa Rapid FC in Desiree Scott’s final regular-season home game. Scott, a revered veteran of the Canadian women’s national team, affectionately known as “The Destroyer,” will retire following this season after playing for Ottawa in the league’s inaugural year.
Prior to kick-off, Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe proclaimed October 8 as Desiree Scott Day, with 2,906 fans at TD Place sporting pink headbands in her honor. Expressing her gratitude, Scott, aged 38, acknowledged the overwhelming support: “I had hoped for a low-key send-off, but Ottawa knows how to celebrate. I am immensely thankful for the fans and the club’s gesture. It has been a privilege to contribute to the league’s establishment, especially with Ottawa Rapid – no other club could compare.”
Although bidding farewell to her regular-season home games, Scott’s professional journey is not yet complete. Ottawa Rapid FC will conclude their regular season away at Halifax Tides FC. The Rapids have also secured a playoff berth, currently tied for second place with Montreal and Vancouver, all boasting 36 points each in the standings.
With an opening goal from Abdu and another from De Filippo, Vancouver Rise FC triumphed over Ottawa Rapid FC 2-0. Notably, three teams – Ottawa, Montreal, and Vancouver – are tied for second place in the NSL standings with 36 points each. Despite goal differential placing Ottawa in second and Montreal in third, Vancouver has a game in hand. All three clubs, along with table-toppers Toronto, have already secured playoff berths.
