Canada’s new women’s soccer league, the Northern Super League, is proving to be more than a platform for star scorers. It is a proving ground for rising Canadian talents whose grit, intelligence, and passion often outshine flashy highlight reels. These players embody the backbone of the game. Here are 8 unsung heroes lighting up Canada’s new Women’s Soccer League:
Samantha Chang
Samantha Chang has quickly become one of Vancouver Rise’s most indispensable players, anchoring the midfield with vision and maturity beyond her years. At 24, she has already earned national team recognition, a testament to her rising profile. What sets her apart isn’t flashy dribbles or highlight-reel goals, but the ability to dictate tempo and maintain possession under pressure. Her range of passing opens up attacking options, giving forwards the service they need to thrive. While goal-scorers grab attention, Chang’s consistency and work rate make her the heartbeat of her squad, a true midfield engine driving Canadian soccer’s next chapter.
Kaela Hansen
Kaela Hansen brings grit and composure to AFC Toronto’s backline, standing tall as one of the most dependable defenders in the league. Fresh from a strong collegiate career and European experience, she’s known for dominating aerial duels and shutting down attackers with sharp positioning. Hanson is a communicator, organizing her defense and keeping her teammates calm when games get tense, as she also focuses on making tackles and clearances. While flashy forwards often get the spotlight, it’s Hansen’s no-nonsense presence that quietly keeps her team in the game, as she represents the kind of stability every successful side is built upon.
Emma Regan
Emma Regan has emerged as the heart and voice of AFC Toronto, serving as captain in the league’s very first season. Her versatility, which includes slotting seamlessly between defense and midfield, gives her team tactical flexibility, while her leadership keeps players steady under pressure. Regan leads not with ego but by example, showing relentless effort in training and fierce determination on the pitch. Younger teammates already look to her for guidance, and her composure in tight matches inspires confidence throughout the squad. While her name may not yet be on every fan’s lips, Regan’s influence makes her one of the league’s true cornerstones.
Holly Ward
Holly Ward has carved out a reputation as one of Vancouver Rise’s most reliable attacking weapons. A product of the region’s youth system, she thrives on intelligent movement, always seeming to find the right pocket of space inside the box. Her finishing is sharp and efficient, often delivering decisive goals when they matter most, and her timing and composure consistently swing matches in her team’s favor. Opponents underestimate her at their own risk, as her knack for appearing in the right place at the right time makes her quietly devastating.
Morgan McAslan
Morgan McAslan is quickly proving herself as one of the most reliable young goalkeepers in Canadian soccer. Standing tall between the posts for Vancouver Rise, she has already earned recognition for her ability to stay calm under pressure. Her lightning-quick reflexes turn what look like sure goals into stunning saves, while her vocal leadership helps organize the backline in high-stress moments. A penalty shootout specialist during her League1 BC days, she brings that same resilience to the pro stage. McAslan might not always earn the spotlight, but her steady hands and confident presence keep her team’s ambitions alive.
Latifah Abdu
Latifah Abdu has injected flair and hunger into Montreal’s attacking front, bringing international experience back to Canadian soil. After honing her craft in France, she returned home sharper and hungrier, instantly energizing her side’s offensive play. Abdu has a knack for scoring opportunistic goals, capitalizing on defensive lapses and turning half-chances into highlight finishes. Her ability to stretch defenses with her pace and positioning makes her a constant threat, even when she isn’t on the scoresheet. While bigger names might draw more attention, Abdu’s contributions are proving just as vital, cementing her reputation as a rising goal-scoring force.
Noémi Paquin
Noémi Paquin has brought a spark of creativity to Montreal’s midfield, blending technical skill with fearless energy. A standout in her collegiate days, she thrives on slipping clever passes into tight spaces and driving directly at defenses when opportunities arise. Her flair and vision often spark attacks that otherwise seem unlikely, and teammates rely on her ability to open games with unexpected moves. While still in the early stages of her pro career, Paquin has already shown flashes of brilliance that point to a bright future. Her ability to create something from nothing makes her an invaluable asset to her team.
Quinn
Quinn may already be a household name among Canadian soccer fans, but their impact in the new league extends far beyond their reputation. Bringing years of international and NWSL experience back to Vancouver Rise, Quinn stabilizes the midfield with tactical intelligence and calm decision-making. Younger players look to them not just for guidance, but for inspiration, which is proof that excellence and authenticity can coexist at the highest levels. Off the pitch, Quinn represents progress and inclusivity, embodying the future of sport in Canada. On the pitch, their leadership ensures standards stay high, proving veterans can be just as influential as rising stars.
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