NSL Week 2 round-up: Chaos and clean sheets amidst champions trying to redeem themselves
NSL Week 2 round-up: Chaos and clean sheets amidst champions trying to redeem themselves We are just two weeks into the Northern Super League (NSL) season and it already feels alive in the most unpredictable way. It’s true as they say — two seasons are never the same. There have been goals, dramatic momentum swings and packed stadiums already, but what stood out most during Week 2 was something less tangible.
Certain teams are starting to develop personalities. Even the frustrations beginning to emerge feel emotionally charged rather than performative. That matters for a new league.
Nowhere captured that feeling more than Montreal. Montreal’s night felt bigger than the result itself Vancouver was dismantled 4-0 at Stade Boréale, but the scoreline only told part of the story. The evening marked the beginning of another club rivalry.
Mid-season last year, Latifah Abdu moved from the Montreal Roses to the eventual inaugural champion side, Vancouver Rise. Since then, she has not faced her former club, and her absence has been revealed again. From the opening moments, Montreal looked sharper and more emotionally connected to the occasion.
Lisa Pechersky (formerly of the Vancouver Rise) repeatedly caused problems early on, first sending Chloe Minas through before delivering the cross Elyse Bennett headed home in the 13th minute to open the scoring. Even then, Vancouver still looked capable of responding. Maithé Lopéz and Camila Reyes combined cleverly around the edge of the box shortly after the opener, and there were stretches where Rise FC controlled possession well enough to settle the game temporarily.
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