The Vancouver Rise have strengthened their roster with the addition of two defenders. The Northern Super League club recently signed Chantelle Swaby and Kaela Hansen to bolster their squad ahead of a crucial match against the Halifax Tides this weekend. Swaby, who previously played for Leicester City in the Women’s Super League, and Hansen, who comes from NSL side AFC Toronto, bring valuable skills to the team as they strive to position themselves for a playoff spot, according to head coach Anja Heiner-Moller.

Swaby, aged 28, brings a wealth of experience from playing in various leagues such as the National Women’s Soccer League, the Scottish Women’s Premier League, and France’s top division. She is known for her composure and leadership on the field, providing a calming presence during high-pressure situations. On the other hand, Hansen, 26, expressed her excitement about returning to her hometown of Burnaby, B.C., and playing in front of a supportive home crowd while being closer to her family.

The signings of Swaby and Hansen come after the retirement of Mariah Lee, a veteran forward who decided to pursue a career in law, and the loan of goalkeeper Kirstin Tynan to the Halifax Tides for the remainder of the season. With the Rise currently chasing a playoff spot, sitting five points behind Halifax in the standings, the team is gearing up for a crucial phase of the season. Vancouver forward Jessica De Fillippo emphasized the team’s determination to make a strong push for the playoffs and showcase their competitiveness until the end of the season.