Burnaby – An enthusiastic crowd of more than 2,500 spectators, with most wearing fan gear, greeted the Vancouver Rise FC’s first game at Swangard Stadium on April 27.

The team’s inaugural game was on April 16 at BC Place, but Vancouver Rise will play the rest of its home games at Swangard.

“Look at the excitement on the people’s faces and the colours that everyone is wearing,” says Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley, “It’s great to see soccer back at Swangard, where it belongs. We think this will be a successful franchise. It’s absolutely what we need.”  The Mayor adds having a women’s professional team in Burnaby provides a powerful message for youth. “I think it’s important, especially for girls in sport. It’s very positive.”

Montreal Roses FC jumped out to a 2-0 lead 14 minutes into the game and never looked back with a 3-1 victory over Vancouver Rise.

Despite the result, Vancouver Head Coach Anja Heiner-Møller says the players could clearly hear the chants from the spectators which sparked the team to play a better second half. “We could hear them. It means a lot. That’s a big support for us. It was really nice.”

“The atmosphere was fantastic today,” says Rise defender Shannon Woeller. “People showed up to support us, so we need to keep pushing to give back to them. It’s a nice and intimate spot. We are super excited to be here.”

The next home match at Swangard Stadium is on Monday, May 5 at 7 p.m. when the Vancouver Rise take on the Halifax tides.  Follow the team and find ticket information here.

Photo Credits

Game, field and stadium photos courtesy of Jordan Leigh, Vancouver Rise FC.

Press conference photo is of Anja Heiner-Møller (left) and Shannon Woeller. Credit: Sam Corea, Sport Burnaby.