NSL: Title hopes heat up as competition picks up pace with statement results made | OneFootball

If the last two weeks have taught us anything, it’s that momentum in the Northern Super League can disappear just as quickly as it arrives.

Weeks 11 and 12 had a bit of everything. Hat-tricks. Comebacks. Last-minute winners. Statement performances. The league leaders kept doing what league leaders do, finding ways to win, but perhaps the biggest takeaway came from Vancouver, who showed plenty of character to bounce back after their toughest result of the season.

With six matches played and 20 goals scored over the two weeks, the playoff race is beginning to take shape.

Montréal remind everyone why they are top

Montréal Roses FC looked every bit like title favourites (behind Ottawa, of course) in their 5-1 victory over Vancouver Rise FC.

The Roses struck first through Evelyn Badu, who was simply unstoppable all afternoon. Vancouver thought they had found an equalizer through Anaïs Oularbi before the flag went up for offside, but Jessica De Filippo eventually pulled the Rise level to make it 1-1.

For a brief moment, it looked like the visitors might make a game of it. Instead, Montréal completely took over.

Elyse Bennett restored the lead before Badu produced arguably the goal of the week, flicking the ball up to herself before smashing an unstoppable strike from distance. Tanya Boychuk added another, and Badu completed her hat-trick late on to wrap up a dominant afternoon in Laval.

Sometimes you just have to tip your hat, even if you’re a Rise fan.

Ottawa keep finding ways to win

Ottawa Rapid FC matched Montréal’s statement performance with one of their own against Calgary Wild FC.

From the opening whistle, the Rapid were in control. Keera Melenhorst opened the scoring before Johanne Fridlund doubled the advantage before halftime, leaving Calgary chasing the game.

To the Wild’s credit, they refused to disappear. Meggie Dougherty Howard converted from the penalty spot to make things interesting, while goalkeeper Katelin Talbert produced save after save to keep the score respectable.

Ottawa always looked the more dangerous side and Jazmine Wilkinson’s second-half goal made sure all three points stayed in the capital.

It wasn’t flashy. It was simply another stunning performance from the league’s most consistent team.

Toronto grind one out in Halifax

AFC Toronto showed that sometimes one goal is all you need.

Kaylee Hunter finished off a well-worked move after just 12 minutes and from there Toronto focused on protecting their lead.

Halifax had their moments, particularly from set pieces, but couldn’t find a way through. Despite some strong saves from Rylee Foster-Inman to keep the game within reach, the Tides couldn’t find the equalizer as Toronto headed home with an important away win.

Vancouver answer in the best possible way

One week after conceding five goals in Montréal, Vancouver Rise had every reason to feel sorry for themselves.

Instead, they responded like the title holders they are. Their trip to Calgary turned into one of the most entertaining matches of the season. Calgary hadn’t won a single game all season and Rise were determined to keep it that way.

Mia Pante opened the scoring with the help of a deflection before Calgary responded almost immediately through Meggie Dougherty Howard from the penalty spot. Jorian Baucom then put the Wild ahead, and suddenly it looked as though Vancouver were heading for another frustrating afternoon.

However, the resilience never dies when it comes to the Rise.

Mariah Lee coolly converted a penalty just before halftime to make it 2-2, setting up a tense second half where neither side wanted to blink.

It stayed level until the closing stages, when Josie Longhurst arrived with the breakthrough. Her late finish finally swung the match Vancouver’s way before Maithé Lopez added another in stoppage time to seal a deserved 4-2 victory.

The scoreline mattered, but the response mattered even more.

Good teams lose matches. Great teams respond. Vancouver showed exactly why they can still fight for a playoff spot.

Ottawa leave it late

If their win over Calgary was comfortable, Ottawa’s trip to Toronto was anything but.

Lauren Rowe gave AFC Toronto the early lead before Min-a Lee levelled things up with a stunning strike from distance.

The match seemed destined for a draw until Toronto were down to ten players after Colby Barnett was sent off.

Ottawa kept pushing. Then, in the dying moments, Delaney Baie Pridham (it had to be Pridham!) rose highest to meet a cross and head home a dramatic winner that sent the travelling supporters into celebration.

Championship teams always seem to find those moments. Ottawa are beginning to look like one.

Halifax push Montréal all the way

The final match of Week 12 wasn’t a goal fest, but it may have been the hardest-fought game of the fortnight.

Montréal controlled possession and created the better chances, but Halifax simply refused to give in. Rylee Foster-Inman was outstanding between the posts, while the Tides’ defence threw bodies in front of everything. It took a late penalty won by Tanya Boychuk and calmly converted by Chloe Minas to finally separate the sides.

For Halifax, it was another reminder that performances are improving, even if the results aren’t always following.

At this stage of the season, that’s all that really matters.

The bigger picture

After 12 weeks, the table is starting to tell a story.

Ottawa and Montréal continue to lead the way, but they’re doing it in different styles. Montréal have shown they can blow teams away with their attacking quality, while Ottawa have quietly built a reputation for finding a result regardless of how the match unfolds.

The biggest takeaway, though, might belong to Vancouver.

A 5-1 defeat could easily have lingered. Instead, the Rise responded with one of their most complete performances of the season just seven days later. It wasn’t perfect, but it showed resilience, belief and the ability to move on quickly; qualities every playoff team needs.

As the inaugural NSL season moves into its second half, every match is beginning to carry a little more weight. The gap between the contenders and the chasing pack isn’t huge, and if the last two weeks proved anything, it’s that no lead, no result and no storyline is safe.

The race is very much on.

Related articles from Her Football Hub: