Vancouver Rise return to cheers and ‘caws’ at YVR after historic NSL championship win

Vancouver Rise FC arrived home to a hero’s welcome on Sunday, met by dozens of jubilant fans at Vancouver International Airport after capturing the first-ever Northern Super League championship.

Supporters filled the arrivals area with songs, chants and the signature “caws” of the Crow Collective — the team’s devoted fan group inspired by the nightly crow migration over Burnaby’s Swangard Stadium, where the Rise play their home matches.

“It’s so exciting to actually meet them after watching all season,” said fan Erika Wootten, who waved her scarf proudly as players emerged with medals and the championship trophy. “They’ve shown so much grit and resilience, and this feels like our way to thank them.”

The Rise’s dramatic 2–1 victory over top-ranked AFC Toronto on Saturday capped a season defined by late rallies, narrow escapes and a never-quit identity. The championship match itself was chaotic — with lightning delays, big swings in momentum and Toronto controlling the early chances — but Vancouver weathered the pressure, equalized in the second half and struck again to seal the win.

Head coach Anja Heiner-Møller said the team’s belief in itself, paired with the steady support of fans, made the win possible.

“They bought tickets for the final before we even qualified,” she said. “We’ve played down a player, we’ve come back from behind, we’ve survived extra time — this team never stops believing.”

Forward Mariah Lee still seemed overwhelmed by the moment.

“I woke up a champion today. I can’t believe it,” she said, adding that the title is bigger than just one club. “This is a step forward for women’s sport in Canada. We have world-class players, and now everyone can see the quality in this league.”

The championship celebrations come as the federal government announced up to $5.45 million in support of the NSL, aimed at helping grow professional women’s soccer across the country.

For fans and players at YVR, the victory felt like the start of something bigger — for the Rise, for the league, and for women’s sport in Canada.