On Saturday morning, the Vancouver Rise bolstered their attack.
Vancouver announced they have signed Latifah Abdu from fellow NSL side Montreal Roses. Area 51 Sports Network learned on Friday that the Rise was making a marquee signing that would be announced on Saturday.
Ironically, the Roses are in town to face the Rise on Saturday evening. Abdu will be present at Swangard Stadium, where she will sign autographs before the game and be presented at halftime. She cannot play against her former team for the rest of the season, as part of the transfer agreement and out of respect for the Roses.
One of the NSL’s leading scorers joins the Rise
The 23-year-old is currently third in the NSL in goals with six. She has also registered one assist this season.
“I’m proud to be joining Vancouver Rise FC,” said Abdu in the press release. “I want to thank all those that made this happen, and I’m grateful to stay in the NSL. I am looking forward to participating in this new project and growing with my new teammates.”
“We’re excited to welcome Latifah to the club,” said Interim Sporting Director Robyn Gale. “She brings quality and a fierce competitive edge, and she has already shown in this league the type of impact she can make. Her presence will strengthen our group while adding another dangerous element to our attack.”
The Montreal native spent three years in France before joining the Roses. She played for FC Metz, RC Strasbourg, Dijon FCO, and then EA Guingamp.
In her youth, Abdu impressed with Lac Saint-Louis and CS Monteuil in the Première ligue de soccer du Québec. (PLSQ) She scored 10 goals over two seasons. Abdu has also had two caps for the Canadian women’s national team.
She joins a Rise squad with attacking players such as Samantha Chang, Canadian international Holly Ward, Jessica De Filippo, and Mariah Lee.
“We are very excited about the signing of Latifah,” said Rise head coach Anja Heiner-Møller. “She is an excellent forward that has shown her qualities already in the Northern Super League, and we are looking forward to adding her to the club”.
Abdu wanted out of Montreal
The transfer of Abdu from the Roses to the Rise is eyebrow-raising. It turns out she wanted to leave Montreal.
The club fully respected her decision.
“We strongly believe that every player should be able to thrive in an environment that reflects who they are,” said Roses sporting director Marinette Pichon in the press release. “When an athlete clearly expresses a desire for change, our role is to support them and help prepare the next steps in their career.”
The Rise and Roses kickoff at Swangard at 7:00 pm. Canadian women’s national team head coach Casey Stoney is in town to watch the game. Vancouver is currently unbeaten in six games, the longest in the NSL’s young history.
