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Vancouver Rise FC touched down at Vancouver International Airport on Sunday afternoon to a chorus of singing and chanting — and more than a few caws — as supporters gathered to welcome home the newly minted champions of the inaugural Northern Super League (NSL) title.
The players arrived just a day after staging a late comeback against top-ranked AFC Toronto in the league’s first championship final, a match that featured lightning delays, big momentum swings and no shortage of drama on the pitch.
Dozens of fans, young and old, gathered at the arrivals area waving scarves and signs as the players emerged.
Among them was Erika Wootten, who said meeting the players after following the team all season was special.
Players with Vancouver Rise FC pose with their championship trophy and medals after arriving at YVR on Sunday. (CBC News)“It’s really exciting to have access to the players and get to see them on TV and then come to welcome them and thank them for all their hard work,” she said.
Wootten is part of the Crow Collective, a passionate supporters group for Vancouver Rise. The name is inspired by the nightly crow migration to Burnaby, B.C., including over Swangard Stadium, the home field for the team.
On Sunday, Wootten didn’t shy away from letting out a few celebratory caws of her own. She said it felt fitting, given the team’s close calls this season and their reputation for grit and resilience.
“The Vancouver style of play is all about grit and resilience and coming back and they've just shown that all season long,” she said.
WATCH | Fans welcome Vancouver Rise home:Vancouver Rise FC is the first team to take home the Diana B. Matheson Cup, after winning the inaugural Northern Super League championship in a tense final in Toronto. On Sunday, members of the team flew home and were greeted by fans at the airport.
Wootten admitted the season wasn’t always easy to watch, especially the final.
The Rise, who finished third in the regular season standings, were considered underdogs against a Toronto squad that scored more goals than any other team this year.
Toronto looked dominant early and generated most of the chances during the championship final game on Saturday, but Vancouver hung on and came back, tying the match in the second half before striking again later to clinch a win.
Rise head coach Anja Heiner-Møller credited the fans for the team’s performance and thanked them for their unwavering support.
“They bought tickets for the finals even before we qualified, they wanted to be part of history.”
WATCH | Rise celebrates 1st NSL title:Vancouver Rise hoist the Diana B. Matheson Trophy after being crowned NSL Champions after defeating AFC Toronto 2-1.
She said the team's ability to stay composed in difficult situations has been a defining trait.
“We've had comebacks from playing ten players in the games, comebacks from being behind, playing extra time, going into penalties,” she said.
“No matter what happens, we believe that we can comeback and take one moment at a time.”
Forward Mariah Lee said the win still feels unreal.
“I woke up a champion today. I can’t believe it,” Lee said.
Forward Mariah Lee says the championship is a step forward for women's sport in Canada. (CBC News)She said while the title is a big boost for Vancouver, the championship itself is a step forward for women’s sport in Canada.
“We have world class players. I think everyone can see the quality that we have in the league,” Lee added.
“We're continuing to push women's sports and the whole world should be on notice about the Canadian league.”
The federal government announced Saturday is will commit up to $5.45 million to support the Northern Super League (NSL) and help grow women's professional soccer in Canada.