Ottawa is making some serious noise in Canadian women's professional soccer, and Wednesday's 4-0 demolition of Vancouver Rise FC was another statement from Ottawa Rapid FC that this club is built to win.
Pridham Does It Again
If there was any doubt that Delaney Baie Pridham — last season's Golden Boot winner — was going to pick up where she left off, she silenced it early and emphatically. The forward tucked away two goals in the first half alone, giving Ottawa Rapid an insurmountable lead before the break and sending fans into a frenzy.
Pridham's ability to finish in tight situations and her relentless movement off the ball make her one of the most dangerous strikers in the Northern Super League. A Golden Boot is no fluke, and her brace against Vancouver Rise was a reminder of exactly why she claimed that honour.
A Total Team Performance
While Pridham grabbed the headlines, the 4-0 scoreline tells a broader story — this was a complete team effort. Ottawa's defensive shape was rock-solid, keeping Vancouver Rise FC off the scoresheet entirely, while the attack looked fluid and purposeful throughout.
For a club still building its identity in Canada's still-young professional women's league, performances like this are invaluable. They generate buzz, build the fanbase, and signal to the rest of the league that Ottawa Rapid isn't just here to participate — they're here to compete at the top.
Why This Matters for Ottawa
The Northern Super League has been a revelation for Canadian women's soccer, giving elite players a professional home on home soil. For Ottawa specifically, Rapid FC represents something the city has been hungry for: a women's pro team to rally behind, one that plays high-quality, exciting football.
A win this convincing — by four goals, with a clean sheet, against a club from Vancouver — is exactly the kind of result that grows a fanbase. It's the kind of game that gets people talking at work the next morning, sharing highlights on their phones, and maybe, just maybe, buying a ticket to the next home match.
Keep an Eye on Pridham
With a Golden Boot already on her shelf and a two-goal performance like this early in the season, Delaney Baie Pridham is shaping up to be one of the most exciting athletes in the city right now. Ottawa loves a local hero, and if she keeps this up, she's well on her way to becoming one.
For Rapid FC supporters, it's a great time to be following this club. And for anyone who hasn't caught a match yet — consider this your sign.
Source: CBC Ottawa
