Northern Super League Week 9: All matches ended in draws

If there is one week that perfectly reflects the competitiveness of the Northern Super League (NSL), it is week 9. Three matches. Six goals. The three scores are identical. For the first time in the season, every match ended 1-1.

Every team scored a goal, gained a point and no club had a chance to move up the rankings. With the playoff race tightening and every point carrying greater value, week 9 brought drama without resolving any questions.

The week began at the Wanderers Grounds, where the Halifax Tides and Vancouver Rise delivered a match defined by solid defense and fine saves. Vancouver controlled much of the first half, creating more chances. Halifax goalkeeper Rylee Foster-Inman excelled in denying every shot she faced. On the other side, Morgan McAslan also made similar saves to keep a clean sheet for the Tides.

The final turning point came just after the break. Vancouver was rewarded for its perseverance when Anaïs Oularbi scored the first goal of her NSL career, giving Rise the lead. While it seemed Vancouver would get three points, Halifax did not give up. The Tides turned up the pressure and eventually got the equalizer through Julianne Vallerand, who headed the ball strongly into the net. It was a fitting reward for Halifax's resilience and set up a tense finish. Both teams looked for the decisive goal in the final minutes, but neither side succeeded, leaving the match with one point divided equally between both sides.


Sunday's clash between Ottawa Rapid FC and AFC Toronto was explosive from the start. Just three minutes after the opening whistle, DB Pridham brought home the goal for Ottawa with a powerful shot with his left foot into the corner of the net. However, the advantage did not last long. Three minutes later, Lauren Rowe calmly scored, bringing the match back into balance. Within six minutes, the game was all goals.

What happened next was a tense battle between two teams desperate for victory. Toronto almost found a second goal when Sarah Stratigakis hit the post, and Rowe continuously tested Ottawa's defense. Ottawa also responded with its own opportunities, creating many dangerous situations when transitioning offensively. As the match entered the final minutes, both goalkeepers made important saves to maintain the draw.

In Laval, Calgary Wild FC finally found the goal they had been waiting for. The Wild went into the game hoping to end their scoreless streak and did just that when Mya Jones sent a pinpoint pass to Kahli Johnson. The striker didn't miss the opportunity, scoring the first goal of his NSL career and giving Calgary the lead. However, like every other match this week, this advantage did not last. Montréal equalized with Evelyn Badu's stunning long-range shot, scoring her first goal in the NSL. The second half largely belonged to the Roses as they controlled the ball and continually made Calgary goalkeeper Katelin Talbert work. Elyse Bennett was a constant threat in the attacking zone as Montréal continued to turn up the pressure with a series of corners and sustained attacks. Calgary fought back tenaciously. Talbert made several key saves and the Wild's defense successfully fended off multiple attacks to secure a valuable away point. Although Montreal dominated after the break, neither side was able to score more goals.

Week 9 may not have produced any winning teams but it did confirm that the NSL's competitiveness is increasing. Vancouver showed they can control away games. Halifax once again proved they can fight back under pressure. Toronto's attack continues to create opportunities. Ottawa is still a difficult team to beat. Calgary finally found a way to score while Montréal proved they are still one of the most dangerous offensive teams in the league. Most importantly, neither team was able to create separation. With every club picking up a point and the standings remaining unchanged, the margin for error is narrowing. As the season approaches its decisive phase, each match becomes more important than ever.