NSL Matchday 2 Recap: Roses and Rise Go Two-for-Two, Rapid Roars to First Win
The 2025 Northern Super League season is heating up fast, and Matchday 2 delivered drama, redemption, and a pair of perfect records. With all six clubs back in action this past weekend, here’s your full roundup of results, standout players, and the latest look at the table.
Montreal Outlasts Toronto in Tight Battle
Montreal Roses FC remain unbeaten after edging out AFC Toronto 2–1 in front of a lively home crowd. Tanya Boychuk opened the scoring and later assisted Alexandria Hess to double the lead. Toronto found a lifeline with a late goal, but Montreal held firm thanks in part to a composed performance from goalkeeper Anna Karpenko.
📝 Key Player: Tanya Boychuk – 1 goal, 1 assist
🧤 Defensive Anchor: Anna Karpenko – Crucial saves under pressure
Ottawa Bounces Back with Home Victory Over Halifax
After a frustrating opening loss, Ottawa Rapid FC responded with a 2–1 win over Halifax Tides FC. Midfielder Lee Min-a showed her class with a well-placed finish, while Canadian veteran Desiree Scott added the insurance. Halifax’s Marika Guay pulled one back late, but the Rapid held on for their first win of the campaign.
🔥 Breakout Moment: Lee Min-a’s first goal in NSL play
💪 Veteran Impact: Desiree Scott’s leadership and composure
Vancouver Edges Calgary to Stay Perfect
It was a defensive showdown in the west, but Vancouver Rise FC found a way past Calgary Wild FC thanks to another goal from Quinn—who now leads the league in scoring. With their second shutout in a row, Vancouver joins Montreal at the top of the table.
⚽ Match Winner: Quinn – 2 goals in 2 matches
🧱 Wall in Goal: Morgan McAslan – Second clean sheet
Matchday 2 Standouts
- Quinn (Vancouver Rise) – Continues red-hot form with another decisive strike
- Tanya Boychuk (Montreal Roses) – Contributed to both goals in a strong two-way display
- Lee Min-a (Ottawa Rapid) – Technical and composed in midfield
- Anna Karpenko (Montreal Roses) – Saved the day late with confident keeping
Stat Leaders After Week 2
- Goals: Quinn (Vancouver Rise) – 2
- Assists: Boychuk (Montreal), Gibson (Ottawa) – 1 each
- Clean Sheets: Karpenko (Montreal), McAslan (Vancouver) – 1 each
Watch the Highlights
Relive all the best moments from Matchday 2 on the Northern Super League YouTube channel.
Upcoming Fixtures – Matchday 3
Here’s a look at what’s coming up next in the NSL:
- AFC Toronto vs Calgary Wild – Friday, May 3
- Halifax Tides vs Vancouver Rise – Saturday, May 4
- Montreal Roses vs Ottawa Rapid – Sunday, May 5
All eyes will be on the undefeated clubs as Montreal and Vancouver look to continue their strong starts, while others aim to break their early-season slumps.
