NSL Matchday 2 Recap | OneFootball

April 26–27, 2025 | National Soccer League (NSL)

Matchday 2 of the NSL delivered high drama, historic goals, and standout performances across the country. From a debut win in Ottawa to a dominant showing by Montreal and a bounce-back result for Calgary, here’s everything that went down.

Halifax Tides FC 1–4 Calgary Wild FC

Calgary Wild FC wasted no time at Wanderers Grounds, scoring just three minutes in from a well-worked free kick. Defender Meikayla Moore rose at the far post to head home the opener. Moments later, Calgary struck again from a corner, with captain Meggie Howard finishing a deflected shot from the top of the box to make it 2-0.

The pressure didn’t stop there. Twenty minutes in, another free kick led to a loose ball in the box, and Moore bagged her second of the match, giving Calgary a 3-0 cushion before the break.

Halifax showed signs of life early in the second half with a corner routine that ended in a goal from midfielder Marika Guay. But their comeback hopes were dashed when a defensive miscue gifted Kahli Johnson a breakaway chance. She calmly rounded keeper Erin McLeod to seal the 4-1 win for Calgary.

With the win, Calgary improves to 1-1 on the season, while Halifax, who had a bye in Matchday 1, start their campaign with a loss

Ottawa Rapid FC 2–1 AFC Toronto

In a highly anticipated debut, Ottawa Rapid FC stepped onto the NSL stage at TD Place, while AFC Toronto looked to recover from a tough Matchday 1 loss against Montreal.

From the opening whistle, AFC Toronto pressed aggressively, using the wings to create space. A clever through ball released right midfielder Nyota Katembo, who whipped in a dangerous cross just outside the six-yard box. Forward Shaina Ashouri latched onto it with a brilliant first touch but was denied by a sharp save from Ottawa keeper Mollie Eriksson.

The first half saw both teams trade half-chances but neither managed to break through. That changed early in the second half when Ottawa’s Lee Mina collected the ball in her own half and launched a solo run. With AFC defenders backing off, Mina surged into the final third, beat four players, and slotted in a low finish to record Ottawa’s first-ever NSL goal, putting the home side up 1-0.

AFC responded with urgency, piling on the pressure and even finding the net, only for their goal to be called back for offside. In the 80th minute, a corner from Ottawa caused chaos in the box. After a scramble, Canada international Desiree Scott pounced to finish from close range, doubling the lead. It was a special moment for Scott, who, despite her lengthy international career, has never scored for Canada.

AFC Toronto pulled one back in stoppage time through Kaylee Hunter, who capitalized on a turnover, rounded the keeper, and coolly finished. But it was too little too late as Ottawa Rapid FC claimed a 2-1 win in their NSL debut, while AFC Toronto continued their search for a first victory.

Vancouver Rise FC 1–3 Montreal Roses FC

Two teams coming off Matchday 1 wins clashed on the west coast, but it was Montreal Roses FC who imposed their dominance early at Swangard Stadium.

Montreal struck quickly from a throw-in. A precise cross into the box was met by Hailey Whitaker, who rifled in a first-time finish to give the visitors the lead. Just 10 minutes later, Montreal’s high press forced a turnover in Vancouver’s defensive third. A blocked shot deflected into the path of midfielder Allie Hess, who placed a left-footed shot into the bottom corner to make it 2-0.

Before halftime, Latifah Abdu added a stunning third goal after a smooth give-and-go, finishing into the top right corner — a definite goal-of-the-season candidate.

Vancouver came out stronger in the second half, eventually earning a penalty that star forward Quinn confidently converted. Despite the momentum shift, Montreal’s defense held firm. In added time, Sofia Hagman nearly gave Vancouver a lifeline with a long-range strike, but Gabrielle Lambert made a highlight-reel save to preserve the win. The result puts Montreal at 2-0 on the season, while Vancouver falls to 1-1.