Looking Ahead to Week 18
Published on August 22, 2026 under Northern Super League (NSL) News Release
Matchups to Watch This Week
OTTAWA RAPID FC vs. VANCOUVER RISE FC
When: Saturday, August 22, 2026 @ 7:00 PM ET
Where to Watch: TSN, ESPN+
More on Ottawa: Ottawa Rapid FC's NSL-record 10-game winning streak came to an end last weekend. They're still top of the NSL table but now looking to get back to winning ways. That starts at home against Vancouver Rise FC at TD Place on August 22. A loss makes the next home match matter more, and the Rapid will want to put in a performance in front of their fans. It also happens to be K-pop Night!
More on Vancouver: Rise FC's win over Tides FC seemingly comes at the perfect time, as they now travel to Ottawa Rapid FC, the current league leaders. Rapid FC sit in first on 33 points, three ahead of second-place Montreal Roses FC. However, after a record 10 matches going unbeaten, Rapid FC suffered their first loss since May against Calgary Wild FC, in a thrilling 4-3 match that saw their leading scorer D.B. Pridham see red. That gives Rise FC a perfect opportunity to give Rapid FC only their second loss of the season at home, and pile the pressure on Tides FC in fourth.
HALIFAX TIDES FC vs. AFC TORONTO
When: Sunday, August 23, 2026 @ 12:00 PM ET
Where to Watch: TSN, ESPN+
More on Halifax: The Halifax Tides FC continue to build momentum leaning recent additions to their squad, including newly signed goalkeeper Kirstin Tynan. Head Coach Stephen Hart returns to the touchline and the club will celebrate beloved mascot Jawslyn's birthday on Sunday at Wanderers Grounds.
More on Toronto: AFC Toronto fell 2-0 to Montreal Roses FC on Sunday afternoon at BMO Field. The club continues to sit third in the Northern Super League table with 25 points. AFC Toronto mounted a number of dangerous attacks in the first half, but were unable to find the scoresheet. Ten minutes into the second half, Montreal converted a penalty shot to take the lead. Later, Shelina Zadorsky buried a header, but the goal was called offside. Roses FC then added another off the foot of Elyse Bennett, putting the game away.
MONTRÉAL ROSES FC vs. CALGARY WILD FC
When: Sunday, August 23, 2026 @ 3:00 PM ET
Where to Watch: CBC GEM, RDS, NSL YT
More on Montreal: The Montréal Roses beat AFC Toronto 2-0 on Sunday afternoon at BMO Field, in a match with second place in the standings on the line. Mimi Alidou and Elyse Bennett scored in the first half to keep the Roses ahead of Toronto and extend their unbeaten road run to eight matches. It was also a first win for Maryse Bard-Martel as head coach. Combined with Ottawa Rapid FC's defeat on Saturday, it moves Montreal to within three points of top spot. The Roses return to Stade Boréale on Sunday, August 23 at 3 p.m. to host Calgary Wild FC.
More on Calgary: Calgary Wild FC extended their winning streak to three games with a thrilling 4-3 victory over top-ranked Ottawa Rapid FC at McMahon Stadium, snapping Ottawa's 10-match unbeaten streak during a celebrated Pride Match at home. Powered by a two-goal performance from Serita Thurton and a 76th-minute game-winner from newcomer Jorian Baucom, Calgary held off a late surge from a 10-player Ottawa squad to cement their dramatic late-summer transformation.
Northern Super League Stories from August 22, 2026
- Vancouver Rise FC Run Riot in the Nation's Capital - Vancouver Rise FC
- Looking Ahead to Week 18 - NSL
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