In a thrilling Mother’s Day matchup, the Calgary Wild FC and Ottawa Rapid FC played to a scoreless draw at McMahon Stadium. The game marked Calgary Wild’s debut in the Northern Super League, and despite the lack of goals, the match will be remembered for the special tribute to the players’ mothers who graced the pitch alongside their daughters.
Grace Stordy, a standout fullback for the Wild, expressed her amazement at the electric atmosphere in the stadium filled with over 8,000 fans. Having played professionally in Portugal, Stordy’s performance on the field showcased her tenacity and skill, embodying the spirit of the game.
Ottawa Rapid, led by the experienced Desiree Scott, dominated possession throughout the game, registering 57% of the ball and taking 17 shots, with four on target. In contrast, Calgary struggled to generate shots on goal but managed to secure a valuable point from the match.
Calgary’s head coach, Lydia Bedford, emphasized the importance of earning a point even on days when the team doesn’t perform at its best. She commended her players for their resilience and highlighted the potential of young talents like Taegan Stewart, who missed a crucial chance in extra time.
As the game unfolded, the emotions ran high for Lisa Green, who flew in from Australia to witness her daughter, Ally, play as a defender for the Wild. Reflecting on Ally’s journey from playing in oversized shorts on a boys’ team to competing at a professional level, Lisa cherished the moment as a special Mother’s Day gift.
Looking ahead, Ottawa Rapid will face Vancouver Rise in their next fixture, while Calgary Wild is set to take on Montreal Roses FC, led by rising star Latifah Abdu. The upcoming matches promise more excitement and opportunities for the teams to showcase their talent and determination in the competitive league.
Overall, the draw between Calgary Wild and Ottawa Rapid not only highlighted the competitive nature of the Northern Super League but also celebrated the unbreakable bond between the players and their mothers, making it a memorable occasion for all involved in the beautiful game of soccer.