Wild FC finish first year on winning note, defeating Rise FC 2-1

Calgary Wild FC in action Thursday night against Vancouver Rise FC. The Wild ended their first season on a winning note, edging Rise FC 2-1.

The Wild wrapped up their first season with a victory Thursday night, defeating Vancouver Rise FC 2-1 in a game played at McMahon Stadium.

Leading scorer Meggie Dougherty Howard opened the scoring in the 39th minute when she converted a penalty kick to rack up her sixth goal of the season.

Early in the second half, Kahli Johnson took a perfect pass from Jorian Baucom and fired it past Rise goalkeeper Morgan McAslan to make it 2-0.

Vancouver sliced the lead in half in the 73rd minute, converting a penalty of their own, but that was as close as Rise FC would get.

A passionate crowd of 2,879 weas on hand to cheer on Wild FC, including 250 Alberta teachers who got in free.

“Our fans have been amazing all season,” said Johnson. “Every single week they show up and it’s such a testament to our home game performances and how much we’re driven by them.

“Hearing them after we score, have a chance or a goal is saved just really pumps you up and helps you keep going in the game.”

The Wild finished the season with nine wins, 14 losses and two draws. That landed them in fifth place, with 29 points overall.