Written by Theresa Balocating
The wait is almost over! The Northern Super League (NSL) is gearing up for its highly anticipated debut, with teams across the league locking in talent and making big moves ahead of the April 16 kickoff.
From seasoned Olympic veterans to rising young stars, let’s take a look at the fresh faces ready to make their mark.
Calgary Wild FC - Ready to Dominate the Season
The Wild are stacking up their squad! Among them is Calgary’s own Talia White, A versatile defender capable of playing as a center-back and full-back. White boasts an impressive list of accolades, including being named Essendon Royals Player of the Year in 2023 and South Hobart Player of the Year in 2022. She is also a two-time Canada West Conference First Team All-Star and a five-time Academic All-Canadian. White arrives in Calgary after her time with Treaty United.
Enter Jenaya Robertson, a master in the midfield who ran the show for Trinity Western. Robertson has been named the USPORTS Player of the Year and Canada West Player of the Year in the 2019/2020 season.
Safe to say Calgary has no plans of playing it safe this season.
Halifax Tides FC - Making Waves on the East Coast
The Tides made an early splash back in October when they secured their first signing—none other than two-time Olympic medalist and legendary Canadian goalkeeper Erin McLeod. McLeod has shared her excitement in joining the Tides stating, “Halifax has a wonderful soccer community, and I can't wait to contribute my experience to the team and support the growth of women’s soccer on the East Coast.”
The team has bolstered its roster with local talent, including winger Syd Kennedy, fresh off a standout career at the University of Florida, and homegrown forward Saoria Miller, making her return from Iceland’s Keflavík IF. Both 23-year-olds are joined by forward Kiley Norkus from San Luis Obispo, California. Norkus adds versatility as a full-back and brings experience from playing in leagues across Spain, Iceland, and Malta.
Ottawa Rapid FC - Full Speed Ahead
When you sign Desiree Scott, you’re not just adding a player - you're adding a midfield enforcer with Olympic gold and two bronze medals to her name. Scott, a veteran of four Olympic Games and a staple in Canada’s midfield for over a decade joins Rapid FC after leaving Kansas City Current where she was captain.
Backing up Scott is Swedish goalkeeper Mollie Erikkson who has represented Sweden at the U16 and U17 UEFA tournaments and captained for two seasons at DePaul University. With Scott breaking up plays and Eriksson holding it down between the posts, Ottawa looks set to be a defensive nightmare for opponents.
AFC Toronto - Toronto’s Power Play
AFC Toronto isn't wasting any time developing the next generation of stars. At just 17 years old, striker Kaylee Hunter joins from the Vancouver Whitecaps FC Girls Elite program. Hunter was named Most Promising Female Player and is now set to show us why on the biggest stage.
Midfielder Nikayla Small has also signed to the club, representing Canada at the U15, U17, and U20 levels. The club added defensive powerhouse Hong Hye-ji, a defensive rock with 40 caps for the South Korean Senior National Team, and goalkeeper Sofia Manner, who arrives from Orlando Pride to strengthen the squad. AFC Toronto is looking seriously stacked.
Vancouver Rise FC- Rising to the Occasion
This might be the biggest signing of the season - Quinn is coming home! A two-time Canadian Olympic medalist and history-making trailblazer, Quinn arrives from Seattle Reign FC to anchor Vancouver's midfield.
Quinn is not just a force on the field – they’re an icon, breaking barriers as the first openly non-binary transgender athlete to win an Olympic gold medal and compete in the FIFA World Cup.
Joining them in the midfield, Nikki Stanton, a battle-tested veteran with experience from the NWSL,(Seattle Reign and Chicago Red Stars)and the W-League( Perth Glory). If Vancouver was looking to add bite to their midfield, mission accomplished!
With just weeks to go until kickoff, the NSL’s inaugural season is shaping up to be unforgettable. The mix of seasoned veterans, rising stars, international talent, and next-gen superstars means one thing: when April 16 rolls around, history won't just be made – it’ll be electric.
So, who’s ready for kickoff?
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