It was a historic match at TD place on Sunday afternoon as the city’s newest professional sports franchise, Ottawa Rapid FC, kicked off its inaugural season.
The atmosphere was electric with thousands of fans filling the stands as the team faced AFC Toronto. The team is the first professional women’s soccer team in the city’s history.
“First game’s amazing and I think it’s such an awesome thing for women soccer,” said Lauren Devereux, a fan. “I played a lot when I was younger and now, I’m trying to inspire the new generation here.”
The team is part of a new Canadian soccer league known as the Northern Super League. The opening weekend in the nation’s capital was a success, with TD Place opening the north side stands to account for the demand.
“I think it’s a great opportunity. This is an amazing experience and I think it’s a really good step in women’s sports,” said Aneka Olsheskie, another fan who loves soccer. “I hope that this continues to expand.”
Ottawa’s first goal came in the 54th minute. In the stands, that historic tally was cheered on by soccer players from across the city.
“It shows them what they can achieve if they really want to put their minds to it,” said Jennifer Hamelin, whose daughter plays on a soccer team in Ottawa.
“If they put in the practice and the effort, they can wind up here and I think that’s great.”
Ottawa Rapid scored again in the 81st minute with Olympic gold medalist Desiree Scott getting the goal.
“This is incredibly special. I am so grateful to how this team just built a culture and built a legacy here in Ottawa,” Scott told CTV Ottawa.
“Women’s pro sport is strong and we’ve got women’s soccer now here in this city and I’m so excited to be involved in it all.”
The final score was 2-1 for Ottawa. Young fans lined up for autographs after the inspiring inaugural match.
“For the first time, these girls in six cities across Canada have the opportunity to go and watch the local team play professionally,” said Katrine Pedersen, the head coach for Ottawa Rapid. “They can see the pathway, they have the pathway and how they play in their clubs.”
The inaugural game is only the start of a long season.
The team will play a total of 25 matches this year, with thirteen home games at TD Place.
The club’s next match is Saturday at 1:30 p.m. in Montreal. The next home game is on May 11.
