HALIFAX — In a thrilling quarterfinal match of the inaugural W Canadian Championship, the Ottawa Rapid FC emerged victorious against the Halifax Tides with a score of 3-2, thanks to a stunning extra-time goal from Nicola Golen. The match took place on Monday, showcasing a dramatic comeback from Ottawa after trailing by two goals.
This new championship, launched by Canada Soccer this summer, aims to create a pathway for women's clubs towards future prestigious tournaments, including the 2027 CONCACAF W Champions Cup and the 2028 FIFA Women’s Club World Cup. The competition features eight participating clubs, comprised of all six teams from the Northern Super League (NSL) and two from Premier Soccer Leagues Canada.
Ottawa Rapid FC displayed remarkable resilience as they rallied from a difficult situation. The Tides established a strong lead as Jordyn Rhodes scored twice, giving Halifax a 2-0 advantage in the match. However, Ottawa found their footing late in the game when Florence Belzile reduced the deficit in the 83rd minute with a precise right-foot shot after capitalizing on a bouncing ball in the box. Moments later, Jazmine Wilkinson leveled the score in stoppage time with a header off a cross from Belzile, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
Golen’s decisive goal came in the 107th minute, where she displayed her tenacity by charging into the box and outmaneuvering two Halifax defenders to connect with a rebound from Tides goalkeeper Anika Toth. This goal not only sealed the victory for Ottawa but also highlighted Golen's critical role in their successful playoff run.
Prior to Ottawa’s comeback, Halifax first broke the deadlock in the 49th minute when Rhodes, with her agile footwork, managed to pivot in the box and deliver a powerful left-footed strike past Ottawa's Melissa Dagenais. Rhodes tallied her second goal in the 62nd minute, benefiting from a chaotic scramble in the box during a corner kick, further solidifying Halifax's lead.
The Ottawa Rapid FC currently leads the Northern Super League with a record of 11 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss, while the Halifax Tides sit in fourth place with a record of 5 wins, 7 draws, and 2 losses. The contrasting fortunes of the two clubs were on full display as Ottawa’s fighting spirit brought them back into contention for the championship.
Looking ahead, the W Canadian Championship will continue with other quarterfinal matches, including Calgary Wild FC facing CS Mont-Royal Outremont on Wednesday, August 12, and the Montreal Roses against the Simcoe County Rovers, followed by AFC Toronto versus the Vancouver Rise on October 4. The semifinals and the championship final are slated to take place in 2027, promising further excitement for fans of women’s soccer.
