Latifah Abdu and Jessica De Filippo each found the net as Vancouver Rise FC secured a 2-0 victory over Ottawa Rapid FC in Desiree Scott’s last regular-season home game on Wednesday. Scott, a veteran midfielder for the Canadian women’s national team nicknamed “The Destroyer,” is set to retire at the conclusion of the season after playing for Ottawa in the league’s inaugural season.
Prior to the match, Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe declared October 8 as Desiree Scott Day, with 2,906 fans at TD Place donning pink headbands in her honor. Reflecting on the festivities, the 38-year-old Scott remarked, “I had hoped for a low-key celebration, but Ottawa had other plans. I am immensely grateful for the fans and the club’s gesture to honor me. It has been a privilege to support the league’s inception, especially with Ottawa Rapid—I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.”
Although Scott’s retirement is imminent, she still has games left to play. Ottawa Rapid FC will conclude their regular season away against Halifax Tides FC. With a playoff spot secured, the Rapids are currently tied for second place with Montreal and Vancouver, all boasting 36 points in the standings. Toronto leads the pack, and all four teams have already guaranteed their spots in the upcoming playoffs.